4 ms·

Dumbing down or idiot-proofing software doesn't make it more user friendly or easier to use. As an anectode, I had had to import my own certificates, disable/en

Dumbing down or idiot-proofing software doesn't make it more user friendly or easier to use. As an anectode, I had had to import my own certificates, disable/enable js, disable/enable image loading , set up cache size manually and other stupid crap in situations unrelated to development. An equally valid counter argument to simplification can be made: Leave the software as is. It is a known quantity. Create an "easy mode" add on instead for people who really need it. I hope we won't see firefox equivalent of iphone (just an example among many, don't jump on me) in the future.

ajanuary 14y ago
Why should your workflow be prioritised over other peoples? Why should other people, who don't know much, have to go get an extension while you, who does know enough to go get an extension, get to use the product as-is?
- artificialidiot 14y ago
  It is not prioritising my workflow but not changing already working software. Idiot proofing is often necessary when the end user have to be spoon fed software and it is done by someone else who is perfectly capable of finding the said software on the internet form its official source, installing the package, finding the "easy mode" form its official source and clicking install button when the software prompts you to do so. Alternatively, a version of software can be shipped by "easy mode" installed and enabled by default, just like how you choose which OS/localisation combo to download. Difference being that, software ships with rich configuration options by default and you can access them when you need it just by disabling "easy mode", not downloading something. No need to overhaul existing UI which is familiar to millions already, and prioritise people who cannot be trusted not to fiddle with options they don't know, just because you can.
- PavlovsCat 14y ago
  So people can discover options and learn about them. It's not like anyone is magically born an expert.

ajanuary 14y ago

Why should your workflow be prioritised over other peoples? Why should other people, who don't know much, have to go get an extension while you, who does know enough to go get an extension, get to use the product as-is?

artificialidiot 14y ago
It is not prioritising my workflow but not changing already working software. Idiot proofing is often necessary when the end user have to be spoon fed software and it is done by someone else who is perfectly capable of finding the said software on the internet form its official source, installing the package, finding the "easy mode" form its official source and clicking install button when the software prompts you to do so. Alternatively, a version of software can be shipped by "easy mode" installed and enabled by default, just like how you choose which OS/localisation combo to download. Difference being that, software ships with rich configuration options by default and you can access them when you need it just by disabling "easy mode", not downloading something. No need to overhaul existing UI which is familiar to millions already, and prioritise people who cannot be trusted not to fiddle with options they don't know, just because you can.
PavlovsCat 14y ago
So people can discover options and learn about them. It's not like anyone is magically born an expert.