Turbo Pascal 7, then Borland Delphi 5 were the most productive programming environments ever. Very few bugs, wicked fast, and full proper documentation.
Nothing since comes even close.
Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
81–90 of 994 posts
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#82IBM Model M keyboard. Great to type on, just works.
Built June 2, 1987. I've been typing on it for 20 years myself, never had any problems except issues with the third-party USB converter not playing nice with some KVM hardware. And I guess the time I spilled coffee in it.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#83The best thing I ever used was iPod shuffle mini. It was the perfect design, nothing could be added nor taken away to make it better. But apple being Apple they redesigned it to be crap then discontinued it. On the topic of designing great things and Apple …. Can I say that I hate Apples “minimalism above all else” approach to design. For example I want computers with lots of ports - what’s the point in buying a mini…
Which one?
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#84My most useful watch for daily life and my job (pilot) has been a Citizen Navihawk JY8035.
I have many styles between the Apple Watch and a Garmin Fenix to a 5$ Casio. The functionality is amazing both day and night.
Features I wanted:
Automatic time updates to the second
Analog face
Digital second readout
Solar
Visible at night
Secondary time without any button presses (I use UTC)
I list it because it is the best designed watch I’ve used. I’d use it over a breitling any day for functionality. However I would gladly give up one of those circular dials for a date readout. It takes one rotation to switch between the secondary time and the date currently.
https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Navihawk-Timekeepin... (Deal of the day..)
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#85My Aeropress coffee maker. It feels more convenient than a french press, and much cheaper than an espresso machine. https://aeropress.com/ Also a bidet. Americans really need to start using it more.
Been using an aero press for years, but the seal wears out. Need to press very carefully or the air goes out the top instead of the bottom.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#86The Galaxy Z Fold 3 I'm typing this on is really well implemented. It's not perfect but it's a marvel of engineering and an excellent implementation of an ambitious idea.
The app Sync for Reddit Pro has basically precisely the UI I want from a reddit app. There's almost nothing I would change.
I absolutely love the feel of just about every part of the Xbox One controller, and you can even get back buttons on the Elite model.
My 2005 Prius feels great to sit in and operate. Foot operated park brake, keyless entry and pushbutton start, comfortable seating and controls, plenty of space, sensible layout.
All models of Macbook Pro except the TouchBar era have been a pleasure to use.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#87The best thing I ever used was iPod shuffle mini. It was the perfect design, nothing could be added nor taken away to make it better. But apple being Apple they redesigned it to be crap then discontinued it. On the topic of designing great things and Apple …. Can I say that I hate Apples “minimalism above all else” approach to design. For example I want computers with lots of ports - what’s the point in buying a mini…
Which one?
The early shuffle mini.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#88I find it interesting that most of the comments are about physical products.
The 'best design' is often something that's so frictionless and easy to use that it's invisible in day-to-day use. Everyday infrastructure like steps are something that's noticeable when they're off (e.g. spaced too far apart, or too steep); most are designed well.
It's easy to find things that are designed poorly. But much less tangible to find a 'best designed' item.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#89Actual physical books.
I liked to read while lying down and e-readers are an objectively better experience. I can never hold a book in a comfortable way - and ereaders are backlit.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best-designed things you've ever used?
#90Been thinking about this a lot lately because I've been reading that Don Norman book, so I have several examples on the brain: - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder. For me, it's the perfect example of explicitly choosing qualities to sacrifice (straight line speed, utility, interstate ride comfort, safety) to maximize the qualities you desire (very affordable, zippy, perfectly balanced, convertible, charming, fun beyond belief i…
Team Fortress 2 and the contents of my iPod circa my junior year of high school is a 1:1 substitute for heroin for me.