“Ironically, the thing that will likely make the least improvement in the ease of use of software-based products is new technology. There is little difference technically between a complicated, confusing program and a simple, fun, and powerful product.” – Alan Cooper

This quote is from Alan’s book “The Inmates are Running the Asylum.” This quote was also mentioned in Interaction-Design.org’s quote of the day.

1. Many digital products fail because they are not imbued with humanity
2. Technology serves humans. Humans do not serve technology.
3. We need to build products that bring joy and excitement to people’s lives

“Most digital products today emerge from the development process like a monster emerging from a bubbling tank. Developers, instead of planning and executing with their users in mind, end up creating technological solutions over which they ultimately have little control. Like mad scientists, they fail because they have not imbued their creations with humanity.” – About Face 2.0 by Alan Cooper

Purchase About Face 2.0 for more of Alan’s thoughts on “the essentials of interaction design.”

1. New technology is likely to make the least improvement in the ease of use of products
2. Design software to behave like a likeable person
3. Products are the gateway to a plethora of experiences

“If we want users to like our software, we should design it to behave like a likeable person.” – Alan Cooper

Purchase Alan Cooper’s book The Inmates Are Running the Asylum: Why High Tech Products Drive Us Crazy and How to Restore the Sanity here.

1. Many digital products fail because they are not imbued with humanity
2. Understanding the specific activity we’re supporting is critical to good design
3. The alternative to good design is bad design, not no design at all