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I couldn't disagree more. Paradigms in computing change. Modern means something uses paradigms that are best for today. E.g. modern means using a JSON API rat
by crazygringo 2y ago
I couldn't disagree more.
Paradigms in computing change. Modern means something uses paradigms that are best for today.
E.g. modern means using a JSON API rather than XML, or vanilla JavaScript rather than jQuery, or a responsive web design rather than separate fixed designs for desktop and mobile.
Modern, in this context, is meaningful and important to be aware of.
Of course, just because something is new doesn't make it better. But when I see "modern" in the description of a project, it usually does seem to refer to the paradigms that are the most useful for today. It's not just some kind of fetish for whatever's new, which is what the author seems to believe.
- detourdog 2y agoModern in the design sense should refer to the current thinking of the state of the art at inception. The individual gets to choose whether or not something fits their modern sensibilities. Timeless design taps into sensibilities that transcend popular trends
- crazygringo 2y agoI'm having a hard time understanding what you've written. The design sense as opposed to what? At the inception of what? What are "modern sensibilities" of an individual as opposed to a culture? In any case, there's no such thing as "timeless design" in computing, as it's evolving far too fast. Does timeless design mean interfaces that rely on keyboards but not mice? Or mice but not trackpads? Or trackpads but not touchscreens?
- detourdog 2y agoThe term Modernism came from the art world. If I see it used I assume we are discussing the values that defined modernism. I have doubts that there are are no timeless designs in computing.
- crazygringo 2y agoThe term "modern" under discussion in this article has nothing to do with Modernism in the art world. It's just the regular dictionary and marketing sense. What would you suggest is a timeless design in computing, then? That we can see holding up as an ideal solution in 1975, 1995, 2015, and today? Because I honestly can't even think of one, and I'm genuinely trying. I mean, there are basic principles of "don't repeat yourself" and organizing code into functions, but those aren't aspects of design.
- detourdog 2y agoThe first one I thought of was Claude Shanon’s contribution to computing and the second was expressed even earlier by Charles Babbage. One can disagree but but it’s the differences that shed light on things. I don’t think you are equipped to discuss design so I will leave it here.
- crazygringo 2y ago> I don’t think you are equipped to discuss design so I will leave it here. Please don't be insulting. I could just as easily say the same about you -- I can't imagine anyone talking about Shannon's contributions as falling in the category of design -- but please let's not make things personal.