The Inmates Are Running the Asylum: Why High Tech Products Drive Us Crazy and How to Restore the ...
In this book about the darker side of technology's impact on our lives, Alan Cooper begins by explaining that unlike other devices throughout his...
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Aug 05, 2010
Zach
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As a software developer, this book's thesis -- that software should be designed before it's written, by people other than the people writing it -- was a revelation. It's such an obvious observation in hindsight that you might be surprised to learn that software development isn't done this way. It's not, and it's because the inmates (software developers) are allowed to drive the product development process. Cooper makes an impassioned plea to the business world to bring software development un
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May 17, 2007
Jeremy
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The first 2/3's of the book basically detail cautionary tales about products that didn't have sufficient design, or else they make the author's case that design is neglected. These would make great arguments if you had to sell an idea to a manager or development team (or if you felt insecure and needed a hug).
The last third provides some great insight into design practices. I found his suggestions very practical. I wish this section was longer than the first two.
As a s More...
The last third provides some great insight into design practices. I found his suggestions very practical. I wish this section was longer than the first two.
As a s More...
Sep 03, 2009
Joshua
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This is a must read for anyone who is involved with (in any way, but most importantly managment and developers) developing software that has a user interface. I've developed many applications over the years and my experience only reinforces the need that exists in the industry for well thought out design before a single line of code is written.
This book discusses the need and some useful tools for effective interaction design. When you know your target you can develop more efficientl More...
This book discusses the need and some useful tools for effective interaction design. When you know your target you can develop more efficientl More...
Aug 12, 2010
Arnaud
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Comparing software developers with inmates was not exactly made to contempt them, but the author insists that this book is rather encouraging user interaction design to facilitate the developers work and improve their satisfaction.
The book has mainly two parts; the first one describes what the software industry was built upon and why current processes are usually not the optimal way to achieve user satisfaction. It is a thorough depiction of software development. The second half of the boo More...
The book has mainly two parts; the first one describes what the software industry was built upon and why current processes are usually not the optimal way to achieve user satisfaction. It is a thorough depiction of software development. The second half of the boo More...
Sep 07, 2010
Marcia
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A classic on user-centered design, especially as it relates to computerized products (that is, most products). Cooper meanders at times, and he spends longer than is now needed to build the business case for moving interaction design out of the hands of programmers. But he's spirited and instructive and (mostly) as relevant as ever.
Now that I'm expand my consulting business into user experience and product development, I got a lot from this book. I look forward to using the tools de More...
Now that I'm expand my consulting business into user experience and product development, I got a lot from this book. I look forward to using the tools de More...
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Oct 01, 2008
Michelle
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This is THE thing that essentially put me on the career path I am on now. Well written, has some funny points, but you don't need a degree in engineering or computer science to understand it. In fact if you want an explanation as to why computers and software can irritate anyone, here is the answer.
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Aug 09, 2011
Stephen
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Alan Cooper's intention with this book is to convince you that until we have intentional interaction design that happens before programming happens, software will continue to be hard to use because programmers are "homo logicus" and self-referential in their designs, and don't know a thing about designing for actual users. He makes a good argument for employing interaction design teams to do the designing and leaving the implementation to the programmers. Unfortunately, he takes fore
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Dec 11, 2009
Tess
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While doing self study on Usability Design, I lined up a couple of excellent books for reading. Really, I just picked up his book because of its unique title. But to my surprise, I tremendously enjoyed and learned so much from the author. The book was written in 1999, but it still holds true today if only to prove that the concepts presented can stand the test of time and technological advancements.
Finally, "someone" is talking about and affirming something I have always More...
Finally, "someone" is talking about and affirming something I have always More...
Aug 11, 2008
Hoby
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I enjoyed this book a great deal. It has a wonderful mix of humor, information and just good book structure. It is a must read for everyone that is, works with programmers, or uses the final products of programmers. Essentially, anyone who could be reading this review.
Where some UI authors drone on about why everything is bad and they're so smart but give little proof of that, Cooper makes you laugh at what is wrong and then offers multiple solutions to the problems. It's entertainin More...
Where some UI authors drone on about why everything is bad and they're so smart but give little proof of that, Cooper makes you laugh at what is wrong and then offers multiple solutions to the problems. It's entertainin More...
Jul 21, 2008
Elizabeth
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This guy is annoying. The idea for the book is great. If it had been a blog or an essay or an article, it would be a really valuable piece. Unfortunately, we let one of the inmates write a 250 page book and worse, paid money to read it. This was probably a much more interesting book five years ago, before there were really good books about user experience.
But even with that qualification, there are some issues raised by the author that software companies are still ignoring. The rise More...
But even with that qualification, there are some issues raised by the author that software companies are still ignoring. The rise More...
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Feb 26, 2008
Stephanie
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I'm about halfway through the book, and I am still waiting to hear his solutions to the problems he has spent the last 100+ pages defining. The anecdotes are interesting, but perhaps a little dated. (printed in 1999)
Working for a hi-tech co., this book certainly has resonance, but I think I may fall into his 'apologists' group as my career depends on my ability to use and abuse 'unfriendly' software. Honestly, I wouldn't even know what to ask for if someone asked me to describe my id More...
Working for a hi-tech co., this book certainly has resonance, but I think I may fall into his 'apologists' group as my career depends on my ability to use and abuse 'unfriendly' software. Honestly, I wouldn't even know what to ask for if someone asked me to describe my id More...
Jan 12, 2010
Nick
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Must-read: Software makers -- Developers, Designers, Business-owners
Recommended read: Other business owners, particularly in service and consulting businesses
This book introduces some amazing insight into the software development process that will become part of your daily vocabulary -- Survivors, apologists, inmates, brains, gray-hairs. Programmers need to put on their thick skin, but if they read this book with an open mind, they may end up loving this book as much as anybod
Recommended read: Other business owners, particularly in service and consulting businesses
This book introduces some amazing insight into the software development process that will become part of your daily vocabulary -- Survivors, apologists, inmates, brains, gray-hairs. Programmers need to put on their thick skin, but if they read this book with an open mind, they may end up loving this book as much as anybod
Nov 13, 2011
Tim
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Excellent book describing one of the key problems facing software: that the user interface is designed by people who don't understand the user. I'm not convinced by his solution of personas and scenarios as my UI design approach is based around an understanding of the tasks a user will do (usage centred design) rather than an understanding of the user themselves. In any case, this is an important book to read.
Jan 01, 2012
Frederick
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This book is about software the the process of designing it. The author makes the point that most software is very poorly designed and makes the user feel like an idiot. This an especially timely point for me, having just spent quite a bit of time learning how to use Microsoft Access.Most of the book is really aimed at programmers and software executives, which is why I skimmed it.
Feb 24, 2009
Jerzy
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A lot of it seems obvious, but his examples of how to do it right (in Ch 9, 10, 11) are very handy. Basically, programmers focus a lot on edge cases (how can we be sure the program doesn't break even in the case of this unlikely event?), but don't consider that users really need the program to work smoothly and politely in everyday scenarios.
Jan 15, 2009
Lachlan
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If this is meant to be the business case for interaction design, it's a pretty sad business case. The ideas are good, but they way it's put is frustrating.
There's some useful material in this book, but it's hard to dig out in the constant noise of Mr Cooper's whining. You could easily scan the first 120 pages, then read about half of the chapters on persona and goals, and you'd have it.
I am left with the taste of BUFD in my mouth too. That may be a misunderstanding, bu More...
There's some useful material in this book, but it's hard to dig out in the constant noise of Mr Cooper's whining. You could easily scan the first 120 pages, then read about half of the chapters on persona and goals, and you'd have it.
I am left with the taste of BUFD in my mouth too. That may be a misunderstanding, bu More...
Dec 20, 2011
Jeff
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A very fascinating look at why programmers are the last people you ever want designing software and an examination on better ways to approach design. I often refer to this book when talking with people about why computers are so frustrating and recommend it to anyone who works with software design or programming.
Aug 03, 2010
Miguel
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Alan Cooper's approach to user-centered design is essential for anyone who is responsible for creating media components that require mass adoption to be considered successful. Advertising, media and management executives can benefit as much if not more from this book than software engineers or product designers.
Dec 16, 2009
David
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This is a kind of parallel volume to Donald A Norman's "Design of Everyday Things".
As a confirmed klutz in life, these two authors are my heroes. Sometimes it's helpful to be reassured that it's not always just me, that things appear to me to be appallingly designed because they are, in fact, appallingly designed. By lazy, uncaring "design professionals".
This book concentrates more on issues and products related to computing (Bill Gates: are you listen More...
As a confirmed klutz in life, these two authors are my heroes. Sometimes it's helpful to be reassured that it's not always just me, that things appear to me to be appallingly designed because they are, in fact, appallingly designed. By lazy, uncaring "design professionals".
This book concentrates more on issues and products related to computing (Bill Gates: are you listen More...
May 06, 2011
Tricks`ter
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Have interesting ideas, but then can be presented in 100 pages... Book goal is describe problems in computer-human interaction, but not give your solutions of them.
It may be good choice, if your want to prove your manager that interaction design is really need.
It may be good choice, if your want to prove your manager that interaction design is really need.
Jun 22, 2011
Sashko
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книга мабуть класна для чуаків які им займаються, але розказується нудно, довго топчеться на одному місці. до цінця не дочитав. Скучно
Dec 17, 2008
Scott
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Excellent examination of the IT workplace, how user-centered design and other UX considerations should fit in, and how they're all blithely ignored by management, even when they think of themselves as design advocates themselves.
Apr 28, 2011
Помогло мне втянуться в процесс проектирования интерфейсов на базовом уровне. Хороший полигон для развития в этой области.
Jan 31, 2012
Main idea of the book isn't that bad but it's too boring to watch how author tries to feed this idea to his reader in various forms. I think this book can (and should!) be at least two times shorter.
Aug 24, 2010
Alan
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This book opened my eyes to the importance of good user-interface design in software. Anybody not interested in computer software will probably find it boring, but it was a good read for me.
Apr 14, 2011
Matthew
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Written in the style of a consultant, which the author is, but still very interesting in its breakdown of why computer programs tend to be badly designed and needlessly complicated to use.
Feb 28, 2011
Travis
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Great overview of business need for user centered design. Must read for any UX practitioner! Cooper knows what he's talking about.
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Apr 18, 2011
Pashmina
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Frustrated with the way software is designed? Cooper’s approach to design, and his stress on the importance of an interaction designer is enlightening and edgy. He shows us the difference between building a Microsoft empire (one that could crash at any time) and building a successful sustainable one. I think every person involved with technology in any capacity should read this book. I highly recommend it.
And of course, I must admit a little bias, since I am a UX practitioner myself. More...
And of course, I must admit a little bias, since I am a UX practitioner myself. More...
Jan 19, 2010
Robert
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Too bad the author NEVER met any competent, well-trained software engineers. An appalling bad, and more to the point, irrelevant book.
Jan 06, 2010
Steve
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Good ideas about interface design and why programmers really aren't the ones who ought to design the software they write. Programmers write software that will be comprehensible to programmers but not necessarily to any normal human being.
