Subjectivity in Design

People have different tastes. The design of computers — namely the taste surrounding their creation — has changed significantly since their inception. I've noticed a similar shift in my own taste as I've matured and changed, too.

Only a few years ago, this computer would have appealed to my design sense: it looks powerful, exciting and intimidating. It's the alpha male of the gaming world. I was a nerd and a tinkerer. It looks like the kit-car of the computing world.

Whilst I'm still a nerd, I've fairly recently realised just how human I really am. All technology has to be interacted with. Therefore, all technology should be designed primarily with humans in mind. After all, we're the ones using it. That gaming rig is clearly primarily designed with zombie-geek-tinkerers in mind. It's a truck in a world of hatchbacks.

I don't want to fix my computer. I don't want to worry about it. If it breaks, I want to know it can be replaced quickly with as little hassle as possible.

Today, the computer which most appeals to my design sense is much less expensive and, interestingly, less powerful. Strangely enough, the computer I've recently been spending the most time using — and most time enjoying, isn't classed as a computer by some folks at all. And it's cheaper and less powerful again.

Technology shouldn't be intimating to use. It shouldn't have to be powerful — only if the situation calls for it. Technology shouldn't be just for nerds and gamers. Computers and technology should get out of the way and be easy to use.

Technology should be for everyone. Technology should be human.