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The problem with interfaces that learn from user behaviour is that they have to be almost perfect to be usable. Simple, predictable interfaces that the user ca

The problem with interfaces that learn from user behaviour is that they have to be almost perfect to be usable. Simple, predictable interfaces that the user can understand and control are okay. Self-learning interfaces that do what the user wants are okay. But there is a gap between the two with poor (and even good but imperfect) learning interfaces. A microwave that sets the timer itself would be great - unless it accidentally sets 5% of the meals on fire. Even a small failure rate is very frustrating, as the user cannot accurately predict and control their behaviour. (It might be fine for a microwave - you can see that 20 minutes for a pack of popcorn is wrong, and cancel - but the same issues appear in many other interfaces.)

VLM 14y ago
"The problem with interfaces that learn from user behaviour is that they have to be almost perfect to be usable." You listed some practical engineering issues. I can list numerous psychological issues, such as anxiety knowing the failure rate will probably be much worse than mine, the anxiety of not knowing how much extra time I'll have to spend on rework. Uncontrollable failure is stressful. Then there are more attitude level issues with being active "I'm making popcorn" vs passive "The microwave is making popcorn". This is before we get started with complacency "The microwave is really smart, so I'll let my kids use it. Whoops house burned down after 20 minute popcorn setting ... Guess I should feel guilty, or someone should anyway"