Leonardo's Laptop: Human Needs and the New Computing Technologies

by Ben Shneiderman

Ben Shneiderman's book dramatically raises computer users' expectations of what they should get from technology. He opens their eyes to new possibilities and invites them to think freshly about future technology. He challenges developers to build products that better support human needs and that are usable at any bandwidth. Shneiderman proposes Leonardo da Vinci as an inspirational muse for the new computing. He wonders how Leonardo would use a laptop and what applications he would create. Shneiderman shifts the focus from what computers can do to what users can do. A key transformation is to what he calls universal usability, enabling participation by young and old, novice and expert, able and disabled. This transformation would empower those yearning for literacy or coping with their limitations. Shneiderman proposes new computing applications in education, medicine, business, and government. He envisions a World Wide Med that delivers secure patient histories in local languages at any emergency room and thriving million-person communities for e-commerce and e-government. Raising larger questions about human relationships and society, he explores the computer's potential to support creativity, consensus-seeking, and conflict resolution. Each chapter ends with a Skeptic's Corner that challenges assumptions about trust, privacy, and digital divides.

Genres: Nonfiction, Academic, Science, Design, Information Science

281 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

American computer scientist, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Computer Science.
Born in New York in 1947
Attended the Bronx High School of Science, and received a BS in Mathematics and Physics from the City College of New York in 1968

In 2002 his book Leonardo's Laptop: Human Needs and the New Computing Technologies was Winner of an IEEE-USA Award for Distinguished Contributions Furthering Public Understanding of the Profession.

Reviews

[Jud Valeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

prescient in the context of Machine Learning and AI. this book has been one of the longest standing most impactful for me over the past 15 years. little snippets in here are leading to entire industry overhauls today. fantastic read.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is still relevant. I agree that "new computing" should put the user in control.

[taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technology..good

[Javier H · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first I was just a bit bored because the book was centered in criticize the "old computing" and saying that the "new computing" was marvelous but the book became a bit interesting when the author talked about some examples about medicine and creativity.

It gets worse at the end of the book when the author criticize even more the "old computing" by saying:

Devotees of artificial intelligence ... would be fine if they did this on their own time, but if public funds were being spent, then I'd rather see the money devoted to teaching children about Leonardo.

What is the same as "My idea is good and cool and yours is so bad that you shouldn't even get money for working"

I didn't like the book and won't recommend it to anyone. By the way I apologize for my bad English (I'm not a native speaker)

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

For current readers interested in the changes in expectations of near future computing technology this perspective from the last decade is a suitable data point. While I appreciate the focus on people versus computing for computing's sake, I found the use of Leonardo a poor motivator for many of the topics. The Skeptic's Corner featured in each chapter was less of a serious, respectful counter point to acknowledge an opposing view and more of an "I'm right, you're wrong" recap. Given the strong endorsement from Donald A. Norman I was expecting more.

[Ali.cheaib · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written book about design. The author builds the case for more creative computer interface designs by challenging the reader into adopting Leonardo Da Vinci's eye for simple, yet perfectly-crafted, components that not only do the job but also help people from all walks of life become more productive. This book is a must for those involved in computer interface design and human-computer interaction.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

What would DaVinci do with technology if he were alive today? He would say, "It's not what the technology can do, it's what people can now do because of technology." This is what I will incorporate in my philosophy of teaching.

[Mike Violano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a bit dated, the ideas on improving software and application usability are still generally true. The author's views and recommendations on education especially student's research projects and online resources remain relevant for information providers and universities alike.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as research for my dissertation but it's quite accessible for a book about usability and design.

[Michael Fruergaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

280p

[Ricardo Kruger · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish it. The reading does not develop. I found it too boring...