Re: [ba-unrev-talk] The Invisible Computer
Reads like what the father of ubiquitos computing once said:
< http://nano.xerox.com/hypertext/weiser/UbiHome.html > (01)
… "make a computer so imbedded, so fitting, so natural,
that we use it without even thinking about it. (02)
Ubiquitous (pervasive) computing is roughly the opposite
of virtual reality. Where virtual reality puts people
inside a computer-generated world, ubiquitous computing
forces the computer to live out here in the world with
people.” - Mark Weiser, the late Chief Technology Officer,
Xerox PARC < http://www-sul.stanford.edu/weiser/ > <
http://nano.xerox.com/hypertext/weiser/weiser.html > (03)
John Maloney wrote: (04)
> BASEX:BOOK-OF-THE-WEEK - REVIEWED BY CASSANDRA MAYS
>
> The Invisible Computer
>
> By Donald A Norman
> Published By MIT Press
>
> In The Invisible Computer, Donald Norman argues that "people are analog,
> not digital, biological not mechanical. It is time for a human centered
> technology, a humane technology." He believes the computer industry is
> trapped by its own success, having to constantly produce faster more
> complex products. The result, he claims, is intrusive and over-bearing
> technology.
>
> Norman's answer to this is to start over again with simple information
> appliances that are focused on the user. Consequently, Norman argues
> manufacturers must develop a new approach to developing products by
> restructuring, changing processes and hiring people with human-centered
> skills in addition to technology-centered ones. The result, if we are to
> take Normans word, is the "invisible computer" in which the technology
> disappears and humans can then focus on activities, learning, and doing
> their jobs.
>
> Whether or not you agree with Norman, his arguments are well written and
> easily understood. He does raise some interesting arguments such as, that
> "people should learn the task, not the technology." I believe, though,
> that Norman is too idealistic, and as a result, his arguments can seem a
> little unbalanced. For example, he fails to acknowledge that
>
> technology-focused companies have, and continue to make, very real
> contributions to simplifying our lifestyles and work processes.
>
> Overall, Norman's book, whilst both provocative and thoughtful, is too
> one-sided and ultimately one is left interested but unconvinced.
>
> You can order this book online by clicking here:
> http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0262640414/theclientserverc
>
> (05)