Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#1

Post by jordankoschei » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 2:53 PM UTC

Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users
jordankoschei.com

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#2

Post by rpdillon » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 3:39 PM UTC

I agree this is a problem. Market pressure forces companies whose primary goal is growth to cater to the widest audience possible, which closes the door to more sophisticated messaging and UX, I think. This is one reason I prefer community-built software.

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#3

Post by vernie » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 3:40 PM UTC

Counterpoint: I don't mind it.

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#4

Post by jchw » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 3:46 PM UTC

Actually... I like this stuff. Moreover, why does it bother people? It's just some cute drawings. If you don't like it that's reasonable but to actually get upset over it is just weird to me.

This has got to be some weird cultural thing. I've never been myself, but from what I've heard, Japan doesn't seem to mind cutesy drawings everywhere.

If they just mean the flat design itself, I understand even less what the problem is.

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#5

Post by jakebasile » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 3:50 PM UTC

This stuff only occasionally jumps out at me as being "too much" although overall I dislike the CalArts style.

I remember installing Docker.app on my Mac and the installer said they're "whale-y" happy to meet me (along with a cute whale drawing), which caused a reflexive eye roll from me.

I just wanted to get Docker on my machine.

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#6

Post by [deleted] » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 3:54 PM UTC

rpdillon wrote: post #2

I agree this is a problem. Market pressure forces companies whose primary goal is growth to cater to the widest audience possible, which closes the door to more sophisticated messaging and UX, I think. This is one reason I prefer community-built software.

[deleted]

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#7

Post by vernie » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 3:57 PM UTC

jchw wrote: post #4

Actually... I like this stuff. Moreover, why does it bother people? It's just some cute drawings. If you don't like it that's reasonable but to actually get upset over it is just weird to me. This has got to be some weird cultural thing. I've never been myself, but from what I've heard, Japan doesn't seem to mind cutesy drawings everywhere. If they just mean the flat design itself, I understand even less what the pro…

I'm an adult, that's why I've worn a suit since high school.

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#8

Post by adamnemecek » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 4:05 PM UTC

God the ukulele music.

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#9

Post by hnbroseph » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 4:14 PM UTC

the rant doesn't establish how the presence of an art style results in the "infantilization" of users.

Re: Apps, Stop Infantilizing Your Users

#10

Post by lupire » Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 4:15 PM UTC

vernie wrote: post #7

jchw wrote: post #4

Actually... I like this stuff. Moreover, why does it bother people? It's just some cute drawings. If you don't like it that's reasonable but to actually get upset over it is just weird to me. This has got to be some weird cultural thing. I've never been myself, but from what I've heard, Japan doesn't seem to mind cutesy drawings everywhere. If they just mean the flat design itself, I understand even less what the pro…

I'm an adult, that's why I've worn a suit since high school.

Why do you wear a suit? And what gave you the impression that adult means wearing a suit? Children wear suits, too.

A suit is the same as these cutest decorations in these apps -- an elevation of a certain "look" over functionality and utility, in hopes that people will overlook your flaws in substance because of the way you look.