Moron Alert - Computers Easy to Use? What Moron Said That?

For twenty plus years now the computer industry has been pushing the dead horse that computers are easy to use.

You still hear that, sometimes subtly, sometimes not. It wasn't true twenty years ago, isn't true now.

Granted, there are some features of computers, Mac or PC, that are easy to use. That has always been the case.

But, having worked designing software for both platforms, and designing web interfaces, and having tested people of all ages, again on both platforms, I can tell you that whoever said they are easy to use is a real Moron.

Yes, I know there are some software applications that are easy to use, but when you watch hundreds of people struggle with Mac and PC it is painful.

By now, simplicity should be a given, not an afterthought. Ease of use should be a standard not a marketing tool.

Watch how often even expert users ask each other, "now how is it that you do ..." and you will see what I mean.

All operating systems are too bloated, too complex, too much.

The average person uses few of any application's myriad features.

Mac and Windows? Give us power, give us beautiful interfaces, make them simple.

Ahhhhh, life could be good.