2 ms·

The magic is where its always been - in the hands of the user. If you find yourself in a technological field and yet very uninspired, its more than likely you'

The magic is where its always been - in the hands of the user. If you find yourself in a technological field and yet very uninspired, its more than likely you've lost contact with the users of that technology. To revitalise yourself, engage with the users of your technology - go find them, see how they use it, see how your technology changes their lives. That is the purpose of technology, and its where all the magic lies. Users are key. Don't have users? Thats your problem. Got no clue how your users use your stuff? Again, that's the problem. Don't see them improving their lives in some way with your technology - then don't expect there to be that magic feeling.. Disclaimer: Have lost and found the magic over 30 years of experience as a software developer. This always works for me: put down the tools and go spend time with your users.

magpi3 7y ago
I entirely agree, and what you write connects with Karl Marx's theory of alienation: that as workers become more specialized they become more alienated from the people and communities that benefit from their work. I think this is a huge problem in the tech world especially and businesses would be wise to find solutions to it. Sending workers on outings to interact with users sounds like a great idea.
- fit2rule 7y ago
  I've been brought into projects as a senior developer to try to revitalise the project and get it back on track after a catastrophe or a failure to produce, and I always recommend, straight off the bat, put down your tools and go be a user for a day/week/month, until you understand what you're doing and have a stable point around which to orient the rest of the chaos in the project. It has always worked. Software projects (hardware too of course) get off the rails when too much time is spent in the woods and not enough time enjoying the trees. Get out there and use what you've made - you'll see what you need to do after assuming the perspective of a user for a while ..

magpi3 7y ago

I entirely agree, and what you write connects with Karl Marx's theory of alienation: that as workers become more specialized they become more alienated from the people and communities that benefit from their work. I think this is a huge problem in the tech world especially and businesses would be wise to find solutions to it. Sending workers on outings to interact with users sounds like a great idea.

fit2rule 7y ago
I've been brought into projects as a senior developer to try to revitalise the project and get it back on track after a catastrophe or a failure to produce, and I always recommend, straight off the bat, put down your tools and go be a user for a day/week/month, until you understand what you're doing and have a stable point around which to orient the rest of the chaos in the project. It has always worked. Software projects (hardware too of course) get off the rails when too much time is spent in the woods and not enough time enjoying the trees. Get out there and use what you've made - you'll see what you need to do after assuming the perspective of a user for a while ..