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The Trouble with Computers: Usefulness, Usability and Productivity
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| List Price: | £22.95 |
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Product Description
Thomas Landauer explains and illustrates why computers are in trouble and why massive outlays for computing since 1973 have not resulted in comparable productivity payoffs. He marshals evidence that computers rarely improve the efficiency of the information work they are designed for, because they are too hard to use and do too little that is sufficiently useful. Landauer proposes that emerging techniques for user-centred development can turn the situation around - through task analysis, iterative design, trial use and evaluation, computer systems can be made into powerful tools for the service economy.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #471652 in Books
- Published on: 1996-08-30
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 440 pages
Customer Reviews
an anecdotal collection, no "true scientific research" here
One of the first clarions of the so-called computer "Productivity Paradox", this report is often cited by other unsubstantiated, anecdotal "studies". But there is no "true scientific research" here. Written in 1994 (or '93), published in 1995 (with the fourth printing in "97), it must necessarily ignore the enormous impact of the Web. And like similar tales of "Productivity Paradox" it fundamentally ignores that their incorrect conclusions are based on more than twenty five years of data "category error" (insufficient definitions). Hence the recent NAICS data corrections reflect the enormous economic impact that previously was denied.
Thesis about computers and productivity quickly became false
This book makes good points about how computer usability problems impact productivity. The author argues that computers had a negative impact on productivity in the years 1973-1993, but misses the idea that these were years of learning to incorporate computer technology deeply into business processes. Four year later, his argument that computers do not have a dramatic and positive impact on economic productivity seems quaint.
Good material, however poorly written...
This book seemed a bit archich in its writing style and one could tell that it was an engineer that had written the book.
