Re: 'Intuitive' software applications

[bcliver -at- manu -dot- com]

>Hi all,
>
>I'm just starting off a research project looking at whether 'intuitive' 
software applications actually exist, and >discussing the implications for 
documentation of such systems.
>
>I'd be grateful for your input on what you understand by 'intuitive' 
software applications, whether you think they >exist, and whether users 
and tech writers/ developers have different understanding of the term 
'intuitive'.
>
>Thanks in advance!
>
>                Beth

I do not like the term intuitive, and I would avoid using it in doc or as 
a trainer.  Some users cringe when they hear intuitive because it's like 
shouting, "Hey dummy, everyone else understands. What's your problem?"

Intuitive means that you're relying on the user's intuition. Intuitive 
does not mean logical, coherent, unified, etc.

Barry Cliver
Lead Technical Writer

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