Amazed by the obvious

Years ago, I knew a student who others said was amazed by the obvious. The simplest lessons left him dumbstruck. I was never sure whether he played the fool to get a laugh or if he actually missed seeing things that were self-evident. Today's major players in the PC industry have me mystified, too. They seem amazed by the lack of interest in new computers and the corresponding slowdown in sales.

While the PC manufacturers wait for the next killer application, it's right in front of them—easier to use software. Many people I know still fear using a computer. To these people, computers are overly complex, require too much knowledge to use effectively, and don't do the things they want to do. When the PC manufacturers—and their software vendors—catch on, new markets should open.

My mother, for example, would like to use a PC to e-mail friends and type letters. Her manual typewriter is about finished, and her hearing is not good, so phone conversations turn into shouting matches. I would not give her a PC, though, because the multitude of menu choices and messages would bewilder her. She would call me and ask, "The program asks if I want to save the changes I made in Document 1. What's Document 1?" That would end Mom's interest in a computer. Why can't Word simply say, "Would you like to save this document?" and, if so, ask the user to type in a name?

Yes, simpler programs exist, but even so, cryptic menu choices and messages make it difficult for neophytes to perform basic tasks. Forget about asking these folks to download software or install software patches. They won't have a clue, nor should they need to.

Unfortunately, should people in the PC industry catch on to the market for easy-to-use software, they'll tell us we need faster computers and more memory to run their "simpler" applications. Like the student I knew, they just won't get it.

Reader responses

Thank you for your editorial about easier to use software. I read it with great interest.

I worked at a Fortune 500 company during the pre-Y2K years, and your assessment is pretty much on the mark from my view. We upgraded thousands of computers to the "latest and greatest." Once Y2K passed uneventfully (thankfully) the sales cycle slowed down. 

I now work for a smaller company in a market of larger companies. Two things allow us to compete—the first is innovative products that fit customer's needs with quicker time-to-market profiles, and the second is easier to use software. Since I deal directly with end user customers, there is no doubt that easy-to-use software will allow anyone an edge over their competition. Bringing a customer's perspective to our company's effort has helped us make the minor adjustments that move us ahead of others. Again you are on the mark, in my opinion.

As far as the computer business goes look into one of the email appliances (CIDCO Mymailstation) etc. I personally found it simple enough for my elderly (70+) mother to use. A light blinks when there is mail, and the push buttons are clearly and largely marked. There is now even a version that allows JPEG pictures to be viewed. All on a standard telephone line. Hooking it up was about like installing an answering machine. The unit basically came set-up and ready to run. I paid the annual mail service fee and was able to stay in touch with her for several years without any real trouble. No boot-up, just turn it on. I just wish someone would take this farther with a business type machine, PDA's notwithstanding. It is a simple machine that works well at what it does. Software writers could take notice. 

I maintain the only way to write software is to have it reviewed by a customer who does have previous knowledge of the product. You will quickly find out if it is ready for "prime time". This goes for consumer as well as business products.

Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your columns and always find the magazine useful.

Harry Ebbeson
Manager Technical Services