The Failure of Open Source is Usabilty
Posted on January 8th, 2007 in Usability | 1 Comment »
The Open-Source Solution (MIT Technology Review)
“As the code slowly grows in complexity as well as capability, usability suffers, not only because new functions add to the user interface but because such additions are ad hoc and implemented case by case.”
…and…
“Open source may be superior in producing robust, reliable code. It can hold its own in providing functionality. But its weakness remains usability, which increasingly is the battleground for competing programs.”
One Response
It’s an important issue, and (in my opinion) very crucial to understand that all applications will eventually fail compared to usable apps.
It reminds me of Asa Dotzler (firefox team) and his “linux not ready for the desktop “:
He also did a recorded presentation (available at IT Conversations as mp3), in which there are lots of goodies.
IT Conversations: Asa Dotzler – Linux in search of the desktop (22 minute mp3)