![]() ![]() Even so, Raskin builds and backs his argument in a most eloquent and scientific manner. Myself, I enjoy cognitive psychology (especially books by Raskin's cohort Donald Norman), though some may find that part of the book boring. While I admire everything Raskin has to say, the book is pretty heavy on the psychology end. Do you ever get the impression that the person who designed a piece of software must have come from the same company that designed the front panel on your VCR? Why should you have to double-click anything? What does Ctrl+D mean one thing in one program and a completely different thing in another? And what's the point of the Yes/No confirmation if the user is in the habit of clicking Yes without thinking about it? Raskin neatly probes all these areas. (And until consumers complain about it, things won't change.)Ĭomputers can be easy to use, and the people who design them and design software need to read this book. But for some reason, we tolerate the computer taking a few eons to start. Raskin states, "There has never been any technical reason for a computer to take more than a few seconds to begin operation when it is turned on." So why then does Windows (or Linux!) take so darn long to start up? The PalmPilot is on instantly, as is your cell phone. I loved reading this book and nodding my head in rabid agreement. In fact, there's so much in this book that makes sense, I really want to send a copy to every employee at Microsoft. Ever want to know why you really don't like Windows? The answer is in this book. In The Humane Interface, Raskin goes into detail describing how computers can be made easier to understand and use. His magnum opus was the Canon Cat, which was an excellent and well-thought-out little computer. He studies how the brain works with special emphasis on how that relates to us using computers. But, more than a computer scientist, Raskin is a cognitive psychologist. For those who don't know, he is the "Father of the Macintosh," one of the original geniuses who guided the Mac in the early days. "The book that explains why you really hate computers." "synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title. He also demonstrates how design ideas must be bui With this book, Raskin proves again both his farsightedness and his practicality. The Apple Macintosh helped to introduce a previous revolution in computer interface design, drawing on the best available technology to establish many of the interface techniques and methods now universal in the computer industry. ![]() He explains how to effect desperately needed changes, offering a wealth of innovative and specific interface ideas for software designers, developers, and product managers. Raskin, however, demonstrates that many current interface paradigms are dead ends, and that to make computers significantly easier to use requires new approaches. Other books may show how to use todays widgets and interface ideas effectively. Five mice! -Jakob Nielsen, Nielsen Norman Group Author of Designing Web Usability: The Practice of Simplicity This unique guide to interactive system design reflects the experience and vision of Jef Raskin, the creator of the Apple Macintosh. The Humane Interface is a gourmet dish from a master chef. ![]() Deep thinking is rare in this field where most companies are glad to copy designs that were great back in the 1970s. ![]()
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