Open usability

John Gruber wrote a [fantastic article about the usability of open source software](http://daringfireball.net/2004/04/spray_on_usability)  that’s being linked all over the place right now. He focuses on Linux, but the same applies to the BSDs and other “small” operating systems. Have you seen [screen shots of the new Amiga](http://os.amiga.com/os4/OS4GUIPre.php)  interface? It makes Windows NT look pretty.

In summary, famous Linux guy can’t configure a shared printer. So he writes an article asking Linux programmers to take a little more time and write a good GUI. John retorts (very correctly, in my humble opinion) that a good GUI is more than just “spray-on” – it requires deep thought and lots and lots and lots of time. This is not impossible in the open-source world, but it is more difficult than most programmers think.

If there’s a glib, nutshell synopsis for why Linux desktop software tends to suck, it’s this: Raymond and his ilk have no respect for anyone but themselves.

They have no respect for the fact that UI design is a special talent.

They have no respect for the fact the good UI design requires a tremendous amount of time and effort.

And, most importantly, they have no respect at all for real users. The idea that GUI software needs to be designed for “dumb users” — which is Raymond’s own term, and an indication of what he really means when he refers to dear old A.T. — is completely wrong.

Great software developers don’t design for morons. They design for smart, perceptive people — people just like themselves. They have profound respect for their users.

That’s it right there. Windows designs interfaces “For Dummies”. Linux designs interfaces for geeks. As for Macs and iPods, here’s what Steve Jobs said:

“Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it’s this veneer — that the designers are handed this box and told, ‘Make it look good!’ … It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”

…they design for people.