[OSX-Users] Re: what we've been missing !

[Steve Harris]

On 26 Sep 2009, at 15:18, Philip Boulain wrote:

> Steve Harris wrote:
>> I think that's exactly it, MS execs can't tell the difference  
>> between that youtube train wreck, and the Reality Distortion Field,  
>> and I honestly believe that they think Windows 7's UI is as good as  
>> OS X.
>
> Surely that makes the questionable assumption that user interface  
> "goodness" is a subjective and artistic attribute, rather than  
> something which can be objectively measured via usability studies?

Not really. I didn't use the word "usable". It just implies that not  
all individuals can make widely believed judgements about "goodness".

One of my favourite software UIs is VI - I wouldn't say it meets the  
classic definition of usability for most people though.

There's also the purely aesthetic aspect of UI design. Apple's windows  
have arguably better looking window furniture, but I'd have a hard  
time justifying that it makes it easier to use.

To turn it around, are you try to say that the artistic merit of UI  
design can be quantitatively measured?

- Steve