Masklinn <masklinn@masklinn.net> writes:
Users (which includes e.g. language users) tend to be lazy, rather than stupid.
I've found it useful to realise that, from the perspective of a program/website/feedback form, etc., the user has a tiny brain: but that's only because the user's big brain is *not* solely dedicated to the program/website/feedback form, etc. When designing a UI, one must realise that, though users are generally possessed of big brains, only a *tiny* portion of that brain can be assumed to be available for the UI; the rest is focussed on stuff the user actually cares about at the time. Assuming the user is stupid or lazy is bad, since it's false most of the time. Assuming that they're only willing to put forth as much attention or effort as absolutely necessary to complete the task, is *good*, since that turns out to be true most of the time. -- \ “It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do | `\ is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument | _o__) will play itself.” —Johann Sebastian Bach | Ben Finney