Why a Computer is Not Like A Toaster – And Why It Should Be
Recently my wife and I were having breakfast at a local diner and one of the two ladies who own the place and take turns waitressing noticed me checking email on my iPhone. With obvious pride she pulled out her own and showed it to me. She loved it. It was wonderful. But, she asked me, how do you get all of those apps on there that they show on TV? And how do you get music on here, too?
We chatted for a few moments and I tried to help her, but I realized that it wasn’t just that she didn’t know about the App Store, but she didn’t know that, to get the apps and music, she’d need to use iTunes; she’d need to know how to download iTunes onto her home computer, understand how to import apps and music to it using iTunes, that she then needed to hook her iPhone up to her computer to load apps and music onto it, or that she’d need to know, have, and use a USB port and a USB cable.
This is a bright and capable businesswoman, who owns and operates her own business and has her own computer. What was missing was the specialized device knowledge that made the process easy, obvious, and simple for me.
For those of you who think yourselves special because you can set up your own computers (and I am one of them – I could build one from parts if I needed to), get over yourselves. You’re not so smart. It has nothing to do with intelligence. It’s simply training and experience, even if you’re self-taught. You have nothing to hold over those who don’t know how to do such things and don’t want to.
Personal computing has been stuck far too long in the hobbyist stages. They are complex, error prone, frustratingly buggy devices. Even the best, my beloved Mac, requires a surprising amount of expertise to set up and appear to be easy to use.
Computers are not appliances. But they should be.
There is a very small segment of the public that likes to tinker. For them, let them keep their user accessible boxes where they can fool with the components. Let them fiddle with the software configurations, muck about in permissions and drivers and scribble little pieces of code to accomplish arcane tasks. Knock yourself out.
But for the rest of us, give us something that does what we want without requiring prior certification, training, or instruction of any kind. I don’t want to have to figure out an interface metaphor. I don’t want to reconfigure, recompile, reroute, or reconnect.
I want what the iPad promises. A single, elegant device that does one thing at a time. It can be an infinite variety of devices, but each one with a simplicity and directness that anyone could pick it up and perform any common task. For uncommon tasks, things that require great expertise and practice, like composing music, drawing, filmmaking engineering, those tasks require powerful, complex tools. Those are the things that “workstations” are ideal for. But for everyday tasks, like reading, looking up information, organizing one’s day and tasks, for those things I want simplicity and elegance.
If I just want a piece of toast, I shouldn’t have to know how to build a toaster to get one.
Well said. Computers have always been marketed as appliances, yet they are anything but appliances. I so agree with you, they should be.
I like the ‘get over yourself’ part. And I worked in the industry for years. There is a certain arrogance among computer nerds (I say this even if I am one) that anyone who doesn’t get it, is stupid, old or foolish. What a shame.
Great post!
Hal Brown
February 2, 2010 at 10:54 am
Thanks – I’ve been in high tech for over 25 years and value the role of the programmer and technician, but I’m really looking forward to a day when the vast majority of personal computing devices are sealed, solid-state, intuitive devices.
There will always be a place for the “let me take it a part and see how it works” crowd, but it’s time for that to be the niche, not the main stream.
Randy Murray
February 2, 2010 at 11:00 am
I have a touch and I download and update apps entirely without using the computer. I’ve never used iTunes for this, just the AppStore button on the iPod itself. I understand the point, and it is a very, very important one. But I would argue that the iPhone/touch is already close to the internet appliance dream.
Mike@pvl
February 2, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Ironic how the lady found the iPhone to be so hard to use, and yet you suggest that the iPad will somehow miraculously be easy to use.
Frank
February 2, 2010 at 12:35 pm
You’re right – even the iPhone and the iPad as it was presented isn’t there yet. But I’m impressed with it’s promise. We have a way to go.
But I do think that as it stands that an iPad would be an excellent device for most consumers INSTEAD of a computer.
Thanks for your reply,
Randy
Randy Murray
February 2, 2010 at 1:51 pm
The point is that you need install iTunes on your computer to put music on your iPhone. I’ve always felt that this is a step that needs to be eliminated; it’s a very unpleasant task for any novice user to download and install software.
I never hook up my iPhone to my Mac unless I need to put music on there, but feel like I should be able to just do this over the ‘net, or my home wifi network.
I haven’t paid enough attention to the iPad announcement, but my hope is that it has no dependency on a desktop computer, of any kind.
Joris Witteman
February 2, 2010 at 3:56 pm
I agree – and I’m hopeful that some of Apple’s latest acquisitions might move us to a “cloud” where our music lives.
You might want to hook up your iPhone occasionally, just as a backup.
Thanks for the comment!
Randy
Randy Murray
February 2, 2010 at 3:58 pm
I get so much more use out of my iPhone by syncing it in iTunes. It would be like only using half its capacity if I didn’t. And it is so easy.
kate
February 2, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Great Article
I totally agree with you, have tweeted and dugg 
Michelle
February 2, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I really really like the way you worded this. Its pretty much what everyone has tried to say in defense of the iPad “short-comings”. I personally won’t be buying one because I am one of the people who know my way around the depths of computers, but for people who only need a limited knowledge of computers should be able to pick something up and still be productive and efficient with minimal training. The thing should just work i.e. a toaster. Most people don’t want to know why or how it works, and they just want it to.
Until then, I don’t know if you find this interesting but I stumbled upon an article that is just a rumor and I really do hate hype (why in some people’s eyes the iPad was so disappointing), this looks pretty interesting and could just use a thought.
http://itechreport.com/2010/02/02/rumour-new-mac-looking-apple-tablet-being-developed/
Ellison Rhodes
February 2, 2010 at 1:10 pm
That would be interesting, wouldn’t it? But I’m betting against a full Mac Tablet.
Randy Murray
February 2, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Exactly! This is what I’ve been talking with my friends about; the iPad is set to be the new ‘computer’ for people like my mum, who don’t *want* to know how to navigate around a ‘file system’ etc. They just want to do one thing at a time. (Although I believe some sort of multi-tasking is likely in the works, and that it, like copy-and-paste, will be released when it’s ready.) Good piece.
Mark
February 2, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Thanks!
Multitasking is something I’ve not made up my mind on, yet. Other than the kind that already exists for the iPhone/iPod Touch (email and messages received, music, etc.), most consumers don’t understand it and probably don’t need it.
But I want it, of course!
Thanks,
Randy
Randy Murray
February 2, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by tubbsjohn: “Computers are not appliances. But they should be.” – can we get an Amen! http://bit.ly/cVNhLD...
uberVU - social comments
February 2, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Randy,
You captured the scenario most closely aligned with today’s newest computer users and had me chuckling through your entire post.
While I do not possess the same skill set as you (able to build one from parts! Goodness!), I am glad to be beyond the days of font Suitcase management, conflicting font id’s, Postscript errors, Syquest failures, etc. I pat my G5 affectionately, pleased to finally be running a CPU with some real stability. Built for power, this Mac is far simpler to maintain than those of yore, but some of the finesse is certainly due to the OS.
When the need arises for me to acquire a traveling model, I’ll be pleased that the device will have been designed with people in mind whose tech skills more closely resemble the owner of your breakfast haunt.
Thanks again for some fine evolutionary insights. A great read.
Mari
February 2, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Thanks for the kind words!
I think that professional users of all kinds will still need big, complex tools that personal computers represent today. I remember when I made the jump from iMove to Final Cut Pro – talk about hitting a wall! Or trying to use Adobe Illustrator without knowing how to draw. In the right hands, amazing power.
But 99 out of a hundred don’t need that power. I’m not saying that no one need it, just the general consumer. In fact, if we can drop the consumer out of the equation, our tools can become even more complex, especially when we recognize a degree of mastery is required before we pick them up.
Randy Murray
February 2, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Laptops will revolutionize the US when they are accessible to everyone financially. Think of every man and women, having a personal laptop.
Roger Hallman
February 3, 2010 at 7:05 am
I think laptops are a dead end. I look at them as a highly specialized tool for experts, not for the general public. In fact, if I had the option of a powerful desktop AND a iPad like device where I could remote desktop or VNC back to the full computer, I wouldn’t need a laptop, either.
Something more like the iPad – almost no moving parts, no training required, a closed ecosystem so it can’t become infected, slowed down, or taken over by evil forces – is what’s more likely to be a successful entry to the digital world for the masses.
Randy Murray
February 3, 2010 at 8:08 am
I agree completely. Most consumers only require something that can play their media, word process, and check their emails. Anything that requires more computing power than that, like you mentioned video editing, would be done in their work station. I really look forward to any, not just the iPad, integrated device that can handle day to day tasks intuitively in the future.
On the note of multi-tasking, I think that it only FEELS like you’re doing more by having multiple applications open but in reality if you focused on each task individually you would achieve the same if not better results.
Jevin
February 3, 2010 at 12:00 pm
I agree about multi-tasking. I’ve said before, it’s just rapidly shifting focus, and that’s a bad thing over time.
Thanks for your comment!
Randy
Randy Murray
February 3, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Well, You have the point. Computers have to evolve into something simple. Something for my 4 year old brother and my 99 years old grandma. I agree totally.
But at the same time I don’t want to loose all this powerful possibilities and tools as a power user. Of course I won’t loose them now. But I’ll start over time. You know, I don’t believe windowed UI will die over app UI. It will for these that don’t need complex system, of course, and that’s kinda bad for me, cause they’re in majority. And minor part of computer users like me, all they will gain is much much much more pricier computers. That’s all. Also, development for this kind of machines will slow down dramatically.
What I’m saying is: yes, this is a good step for most of us, making computers more accessible. and no, this is not good for the rest of us.
Jimm
February 3, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Master technicians and artists of all types have always had and will always have access to the best tools. We’ve just gone thru an odd period where practically any idiot can get their hands on them (I refer to myself).
I’m not worried about computers and fantastic digital tools disappearing for those that need them.
Randy Murray
February 3, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Thanks for this – good post. I’ve been struggling with this aspect of “computing” since I started. I need to rely on my Brother-in-law to get me out of jams with my computer and I’m waiting for him to recommend a laptop to me right now (waiting since December). I am a perfectionist and it make me frustrated and truthfully a little angry when I have to completely rely on others for expertise. That all being said, this isn’t a skill set I wish to acquire, so I found your post reassuring that I’m still OK if I don’t!
missy
February 4, 2010 at 7:30 am
I read this post through retweeters anon – a few days ago – yes I retweeted and was delighted to see the thoughts I have had for years nicely crystallised in this blog.
I have been thinking about this post for a few days and have begin to conclude that in fact a computer is like a toaster, as are most gadgets tools and appliances.
To use a toaster we have to have already learnt many basic skills and conventions. That it needs a power supply, how to plug it in and into what – what the actual function is – If I was a ‘man from Mars” and was told this is a toaster it makes toast – I would look at it and say, perhaps in Martian – OK make toast – I may prod it and I may kick it, but the result would not be toast.
I need to know how to use it, what bread is, how thick to make the bread, how to insert the bread, even more to the point how to get the damn bread out.
I purchased a toaster recently and there were no instructions on how to use it although this is not a simple process – it is only “obvious” to people who have been brought up with toasters, but I bet the first toasters which were sold had stores demonstrating this new fangled gadget and had a illustrated volume of instruction information in the package.
I bought my first PC in 1981 – the manual was as big as War and Peace – I had to learn DOS to make any use of it and the manual took me step by step into basic dos applications etc. Last year I bought a mac – what manual? But if I did not have a lot of “acquired” knowledge it would be as useful as a toaster to a Martian.
The fact is we have to acquire knowledge to be able to use “intuitive” tools – the makers of these tools need to step back and help us learn the steps needed to have this information, those of us a bit further along the path can join in a later chapter.
Perhaps what we are missing is not how to learn – but how to teach – when I want to watch a CD or download music, I ask my son as the tools I go to use are now “intuitive” and there is no way of me knowing how to use them or being told how to learn.
tony tidswell
February 5, 2010 at 5:57 am
Well argued.
But what you’re calling for means that millions of people will never have access to the digital world. You were gradually introduced to the technical world, like me. But for many, they don’t have the interest level to take them thru the pain of learning.
But consider, how long did it take them to learn to use a book? They know that now, so why can’t they read books as easily digitally. They know how to use and address book, a calendar, write a letter, watch tv and movies, and chat on the phone. Why should they relearn any of those things?
Yes, we have to acquire knowledge to use virtually any tool, but the technical knowledge necessary to use current computers has a lot to do with maintaining the tool and keeping it functional. If you’ve ever had to support a family member in using their first computer, you know the frustration levels they experience.
When you already own the experience, it’s easy to say, “it’s not so hard, you can put in the years and learn it for yourself”, but for many they’ll just say, “no thanks.”
The fault, dear reader, is not in ourselves, but in our PCs.
Randy Murray
February 5, 2010 at 8:26 am
There is an unfortunate trend to “assume” huge gobbets of knowledge to be able to enable many applications and pieces of equipment – but I come back to my point of teaching rather than intuitive design – as the preferred solution.
We all need to learn the sequence of learning to be able to use almost anything – your example of learning to read is significant – I have had to teach photography technology to classes where most students were illiterate – I had to use pictures – as they do for the station names in the Mexico City Metro.
What I am saying is that the system of teaching and the way we increasingly allow untrained people to tell us how to operate software, applications and many information technology elements – is causing a widening gap in the ability of many to use this valuable resource.
It is usually basic communication skills which are lacking and due to our “deference” to untrained geeks who we allow to tell us how to operate equipment. It is mind blowing that after 20 years, to turn off a windows PC we still press the “start” button.
So many companies are in thrall to the IT department that they increasingly allow them to “improve” their Internet sites to the point that they are becoming unusable – Booking rail tickets and printing Bank statements is much harder to do today (impossible in some cases) than it was ten years ago – OK the site has Flash, javascript and pop-up windows and is color-coordinated – but don’t bloody well work anymore – same with many application,and hardware.
We are all capable of learning many complex sequences, as long as we are taught the path and structure to reach the goal of the operation in digestible stages and simple ergonomics is used on the interface we use.
No I shall hit the clearly marked “Submit Comment” button just under this full stop.
tony tidswell
February 5, 2010 at 9:22 am
“…but the technical knowledge necessary to use current computers has a lot to do with maintaining the tool and keeping it functional.” EXACTLY!
It’s akin to Ford’s Model T when it was new. You had to become a mechanic or spend gobs of money on a mechanic to keep it on the road.
I am a self-taught PC geek only because I needed to keep the damned thing (and relatives’ and friends’ things) on the road.
In this day and age we should be able to get an out-of-the-box computer that JUST WORKS! Learn how to use it and get on with life. Of course everything needs maintanence, will break down, and has a useful life expectancy; but these things should be at a minimum, not a significant percentage of the time we spend with the “appliance.”
Great post!
John Boone
February 7, 2010 at 5:38 am
Barring the idealism, it’s not a toaster and can’t be. If you want a specialised device/software, buy one. But you can’t have a TV/Typewritter/Library/Telephone/Radio device and a million other items for a million different people and have it obvious for everyone. And I would say that this idea is moot these days, the younger the people the easier they find this process. Admittedly they’re not exactly smart about what they download and run, but the process is ingrained for them. It’s like learning to read as you said, and most of them are better then older generations in this regard.
anon
February 9, 2010 at 7:23 am
I agree that the young , especially children, learn to use computers very easily. But unlike the previous generations, myself included, who had to learn not just the how, but the why, and how to trouble shoot, rebuild, and diagnose, they are left baffled when things go wrong.
That’s why digital devices like the iPad offer promise. When something goes wrong, there should be very little that CAN go wrong. Usually a simple restart will be enough.
Randy Murray
February 9, 2010 at 8:06 am