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Instead of a single spectrum from computer- to human-friendliness, picture a triangle with the third vertex being "task-friendliness" or task specificity. The a

Instead of a single spectrum from computer- to human-friendliness, picture a triangle with the third vertex being "task-friendliness" or task specificity. The author is advocating a return to human-friendliness, but what he describes is more like task-friendliness. I've become somewhat obsessed with ergonomics after a long battle with chair pain. In my mind, true human-friendliness does not require new interfaces for every task (although it may require a slightly different interface for each human). Every computing task may very well be handled best by a person sitting in a chair at a workstation. That wouldn't be bad design IMO; computers are, in fact, general purpose. If we can get to a point where each computer user is able to use their computer comfortably for 8 hours straight, without pinching a nerve or a blood vessel (yes! it's possible!), then I would consider that a human-friendly design. I'm not talking about iPads here - the author is totally right that these devices don't seem to be made for human beings.

jacobolus 7y ago
As far as I understand, remaining in a static position for 8 hours straight during the day and another 8 hours straight while asleep is pretty bad for many parts of the body irrespective of what that position happens to be. People need to be occasionally changing position, moving about, getting their circulatory system working, getting their muscles working, focusing their eyes at a longer distance, etc. We can improve people’s experience with sit–stand desks, frequent short breaks, periodic longer breaks, a daily commute requiring walking or other exercise, etc., but reducing the total number of hours people are staring at screens every day would also be generally helpful. It isn’t all that great to exclusively work at even the most ergonomic possible computer workstation.
- tboyd47 7y ago
  There's truth to what you're saying, but it implies you have to accept a certain level of pain or physical discomfort if you work in a seated position, and the only way to manage the pain is to get out of your seat. But there are types of pain that can't be managed that way. Those injuries have to do more with sustained muscle tension caused by bad equipment than just sitting, and will continue to get worse until you change your equipment to eliminate the tension.

jacobolus 7y ago

As far as I understand, remaining in a static position for 8 hours straight during the day and another 8 hours straight while asleep is pretty bad for many parts of the body irrespective of what that position happens to be. People need to be occasionally changing position, moving about, getting their circulatory system working, getting their muscles working, focusing their eyes at a longer distance, etc. We can improve people’s experience with sit–stand desks, frequent short breaks, periodic longer breaks, a daily commute requiring walking or other exercise, etc., but reducing the total number of hours people are staring at screens every day would also be generally helpful. It isn’t all that great to exclusively work at even the most ergonomic possible computer workstation.

tboyd47 7y ago
There's truth to what you're saying, but it implies you have to accept a certain level of pain or physical discomfort if you work in a seated position, and the only way to manage the pain is to get out of your seat. But there are types of pain that can't be managed that way. Those injuries have to do more with sustained muscle tension caused by bad equipment than just sitting, and will continue to get worse until you change your equipment to eliminate the tension.