UIs Should Be Versioned, Just Like We Version APIs
The article advocates for versioning user interfaces like APIs to enhance stability, criticizing the tech industry's frequent changes that disrupt user experience and calling for a more user-centered design approach.
Read original article
The article argues for the necessity of versioning user interfaces (UIs) in the same way that application programming interfaces (APIs) are versioned. The author, Phill Mendonça-Vieira, highlights that while APIs are treated as contracts that should remain stable to avoid disrupting users, UIs are frequently altered without consideration for the users' learning processes and established skills. This inconsistency reflects a broader issue in the tech industry, where user experience is often sacrificed for trends or profit motives. The author criticizes the tech industry's lack of respect for users, suggesting that constant changes lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness among users. He draws parallels between the stability of physical tools and the chaotic nature of digital interfaces, emphasizing that the digital and physical worlds are interconnected. The article also references a specific example involving Sonos, which redesigned its app in a way that removed key features, indicating a disregard for user needs. Ultimately, the author calls for a reevaluation of how digital experiences are designed, advocating for a more user-centered approach that acknowledges the impact of frequent changes on users' lives.
- User interfaces should be versioned like APIs to ensure stability for users.
- Frequent changes to UIs can disrupt users' established skills and learning.
- The tech industry often prioritizes trends and profits over user experience.
- There is a need for a more user-centered approach in digital design.
- The interconnectedness of digital and physical experiences should be recognized.
Related
Our Users Deserve a Bill of Rights
The author critiques the tech industry's neglect of end users, advocating for a "User Bill of Rights" to ensure accountability and balance between innovation and stability in software development.
The Decline of Usability (2020)
Usability in UI design has declined due to non-standard elements influenced by mobile design, causing confusion in desktop applications. A return to coherent design principles is urged to improve user experience.
Never Forgive Them
The article discusses the tech industry's shift from user satisfaction to profit, leading to poor product quality and manipulative practices. It calls for awareness of these harmful changes in technology.
Never Forgive Them
Edward Zitron argues that the tech industry's focus on profit over user needs leads to exploitation, poor experiences, and manipulative tactics, particularly affecting those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Never Forgive Them
Edward Zitron's article discusses how tech companies prioritize growth over user experience, treating users as commodities and creating systemic issues that frustrate users, calling for a realignment of corporate incentives.
3 commentsInstead we've got weird web-on-desktop interfaces or designs where everything useful was discarded to support potential touchscreen use.
Related
Our Users Deserve a Bill of Rights
The author critiques the tech industry's neglect of end users, advocating for a "User Bill of Rights" to ensure accountability and balance between innovation and stability in software development.
The Decline of Usability (2020)
Usability in UI design has declined due to non-standard elements influenced by mobile design, causing confusion in desktop applications. A return to coherent design principles is urged to improve user experience.
Never Forgive Them
The article discusses the tech industry's shift from user satisfaction to profit, leading to poor product quality and manipulative practices. It calls for awareness of these harmful changes in technology.
Never Forgive Them
Edward Zitron argues that the tech industry's focus on profit over user needs leads to exploitation, poor experiences, and manipulative tactics, particularly affecting those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Never Forgive Them
Edward Zitron's article discusses how tech companies prioritize growth over user experience, treating users as commodities and creating systemic issues that frustrate users, calling for a realignment of corporate incentives.