3 ms·

This post shows how words like "UX" and "simplicity" are frequently used as euphemisms for "designing with a goal of depriving users their rights concerning dev

by pekk 12y ago

This post shows how words like "UX" and "simplicity" are frequently used as euphemisms for "designing with a goal of depriving users their rights concerning devices they own" and "designing with a goal of making devices more attractive for sale at the expense of the interests of the user". My life isn't simpler as a result of things like DRM on my motherboard and video card. It doesn't make a user's life simpler if their computer is fused shut to prevent service, or if they have to buy ink and coffee of a specific brand in order to use their existing printer and coffee machine. When people are given options like (say) replaceable batteries, and this isn't associated with some other giant disadvantage (as it will be if you don't even try to design FOR the user, but just to sell)... most will prefer that.

ori_b 12y ago
> My life isn't simpler as a result of things like DRM on my motherboard and video card. Isn't it? I don't like it, but I can admit that if you tell the user "These are the video services that work, you don't get to grab them elsewhere", or "You must buy this brand of ink", instead of giving them an array of viable options. Or saying "You must bring this computer in if you want service". Fewer options, and having the decisions on what to do mandated for you is simpler. It means you don't have to think. It's paternalistic and encourages helplessness, but it's simpler.
- noonespecial 12y ago
  It doesn't end up simpler though in the end. I've had to explain to my grandfather how the unopened inks still in the boxes on his shelf have somehow "expired" and the ink that his printer takes is no longer commonly sold so really does need to scrap that working printer and buy a new one. Its anything but simple. I'm a geek and the only thing I really know for sure about the whole debacle is that "plays for sure"... didn't.
  - marincounty 12y ago
    If that printer doesn't require cartridges with an individual chip attached, and the printer still works; I wouldn't toss the printer. I have taught older individuals how to drill cartridges and refill their own ink. If they are slightly mechanically inclined, and on a budget--they print like it was the ninties. I don't like to run out of pricey chipped ink cartridges. The bigger point I'm trying to make is I don't like limitations/restrictions on hardware or software. I don't like the "locked down" trend that I guess was inevitable?
    - noonespecial 12y ago
      Not only were these chipped, but they were also DATED so that if they weren't used within a specific amount of time they would "expire" and the printer would refuse to use them. It was diabolical. I didn't just toss it, I actually went "Office Space" on the thing in the driveway first.
      - seanp2k2 12y ago
        That's pretty horrible (about the expiration). What brand was that? I wouldn't be surprised to see pod-based coffee machines go the same route (e.g. Keurig).
        noonespecial 12y ago
        An HP. Read all about it right from the ugly horse's mouth. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01764161&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c0176416... I love how the "small percentage of older HP ink supplies" is a list of printers as long as my arm.
- kalleboo 12y ago
  There are just as many options as before, just now all but one are a bomb of incompatibility. Instead there will just be a lot of confusion of what is compatible with what and a lot of tears when people waste money on something that's incompatible. Say... a user without a PC who has a large iTunes in the Cloud library buying an Android phone. "Wait what do you mean I can't listen to my music any more?"
  - nine_k 12y ago
    AFAIK specifically Google Play Music can import iTunes tracks (due to a special arrangement with Apple), but it was achieved recently, and can probably break. With music (or any other data) locked in the cloud, you don't own it any more. You are granted a right to use, and this right is revokable.

by pekk 12y ago

ori_b 12y ago

> My life isn't simpler as a result of things like DRM on my motherboard and video card. Isn't it? I don't like it, but I can admit that if you tell the user "These are the video services that work, you don't get to grab them elsewhere", or "You must buy this brand of ink", instead of giving them an array of viable options. Or saying "You must bring this computer in if you want service". Fewer options, and having the decisions on what to do mandated for you is simpler. It means you don't have to think. It's paternalistic and encourages helplessness, but it's simpler.

noonespecial 12y ago
It doesn't end up simpler though in the end. I've had to explain to my grandfather how the unopened inks still in the boxes on his shelf have somehow "expired" and the ink that his printer takes is no longer commonly sold so really does need to scrap that working printer and buy a new one. Its anything but simple. I'm a geek and the only thing I really know for sure about the whole debacle is that "plays for sure"... didn't.
- marincounty 12y ago
  If that printer doesn't require cartridges with an individual chip attached, and the printer still works; I wouldn't toss the printer. I have taught older individuals how to drill cartridges and refill their own ink. If they are slightly mechanically inclined, and on a budget--they print like it was the ninties. I don't like to run out of pricey chipped ink cartridges. The bigger point I'm trying to make is I don't like limitations/restrictions on hardware or software. I don't like the "locked down" trend that I guess was inevitable?
  - noonespecial 12y ago
    Not only were these chipped, but they were also DATED so that if they weren't used within a specific amount of time they would "expire" and the printer would refuse to use them. It was diabolical. I didn't just toss it, I actually went "Office Space" on the thing in the driveway first.
    - seanp2k2 12y ago
      That's pretty horrible (about the expiration). What brand was that? I wouldn't be surprised to see pod-based coffee machines go the same route (e.g. Keurig).
      - noonespecial 12y ago
        An HP. Read all about it right from the ugly horse's mouth. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01764161&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c0176416... I love how the "small percentage of older HP ink supplies" is a list of printers as long as my arm.
kalleboo 12y ago
There are just as many options as before, just now all but one are a bomb of incompatibility. Instead there will just be a lot of confusion of what is compatible with what and a lot of tears when people waste money on something that's incompatible. Say... a user without a PC who has a large iTunes in the Cloud library buying an Android phone. "Wait what do you mean I can't listen to my music any more?"
- nine_k 12y ago
  AFAIK specifically Google Play Music can import iTunes tracks (due to a special arrangement with Apple), but it was achieved recently, and can probably break. With music (or any other data) locked in the cloud, you don't own it any more. You are granted a right to use, and this right is revokable.