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IVR is not a good example because it's an annoying interface that people sometimes have to deal with when calling companies. It actually offers pretty poor UX,

IVR is not a good example because it's an annoying interface that people sometimes have to deal with when calling companies. It actually offers pretty poor UX, because users sometimes know what they want when calling but have to wait to hear the options before making a selection. But it's the best we have for over-the-phone interfaces. Are you someone who orders things using the Echo? If not, are you just playing devil's advocate?

fuzztester 2y ago
I do know that IVR has poor UX, since I use it a good amount on my mobile phone. but did you notice that I also said: >or an advanced, literally voice-only version of it, where you don't even have to press any digit keys to respond to voice menus? above?
- NotMichaelBay 2y ago
  That already exists too, but it's also poor UX because it processes your response slower than a person would, and it sometimes misunderstands what you're saying or asks you to repeat. For the sake of argument, we can imagine the Echo technology is advanced enough to be on par with speaking to a real person, like your own personal assistant that you trust. I could see it being useful for recurring purchases when I run out of an item, although I (and I assume most people) get these items from the grocery store. For items you've never purchased before, I could also see it being useful if, like a personal assistant, it prepares a short list of items to choose from based on your purchasing preferences. But I would still rather see the list of the items before making the purchase.
fuzztester 2y ago
no I don't use the Echo. but I was not playing devil's advocate. I was just arguing against some people's statements on the basis of logic as I see it. do you think there is anything wrong with doing that? I see it happening on hn all the time. and I think it is the only basis for rational discussion. otherwise what should we go on, emotions? those have their place, but I think are out of place in debates.

fuzztester 2y ago

I do know that IVR has poor UX, since I use it a good amount on my mobile phone. but did you notice that I also said: >or an advanced, literally voice-only version of it, where you don't even have to press any digit keys to respond to voice menus? above?

NotMichaelBay 2y ago
That already exists too, but it's also poor UX because it processes your response slower than a person would, and it sometimes misunderstands what you're saying or asks you to repeat. For the sake of argument, we can imagine the Echo technology is advanced enough to be on par with speaking to a real person, like your own personal assistant that you trust. I could see it being useful for recurring purchases when I run out of an item, although I (and I assume most people) get these items from the grocery store. For items you've never purchased before, I could also see it being useful if, like a personal assistant, it prepares a short list of items to choose from based on your purchasing preferences. But I would still rather see the list of the items before making the purchase.

fuzztester 2y ago

no I don't use the Echo. but I was not playing devil's advocate. I was just arguing against some people's statements on the basis of logic as I see it. do you think there is anything wrong with doing that? I see it happening on hn all the time. and I think it is the only basis for rational discussion. otherwise what should we go on, emotions? those have their place, but I think are out of place in debates.