Tuesday 19 August 2014

The Software Productivity Paradox


Firstly my Acknowledgements to Mr. Harold Thimblebly for his extra-ordinary book on “Press On – Principles of Interaction Programming” which made me realize and put forward the following thoughts.

We never realized!
---> We never realized that the productivity from technology did come with side effects. Look at this arresting instance. Earlier people used to sit at customer care and handle the customer queries. Technology carved in and the process got automated. Now we snoop to automated voice and elect to choose for the required service. Look at the process in monetary terms. Earlier company used to pay for person who used to sit at customer service. Now we pay for using the service and listening to automated voice. Where is the benefit heading?

---> Though things have improved drastically, it still takes us same time to edit a document. Why do most applications fail to reach the audience? Too many features have only made the process slower. Some applications are in use, only because we are mandated to use it or there is no enhanced one yet.

---> Yes, I get a product with multiple functionalities but what about the training cost? A benefit somewhere is costing elsewhere.  We buy it to bank and invest on training without the realization. The holistic view may not integrate in totality.

---> Software’s have created inter-dependencies. I need to use some product only because my system does not support the format. The mandatory usage to one makes his connected also to depend and bring into play the same. The commons are over grazed and everyone suffers at the end.

---> At times, they come as a solution to a problem and thereby introduce many other tribulations. Once when we are into the system, we get dependent and drive the tradition. They come with a never ending manual documenting what doesn’t work; as the limitation of the product and never say that they were the shortcomings. We would have never purchased a washing machine if the vendor told us he would deliver the components in installments.

Yes, technology choices make a huge difference. I don’t intend to run a strike over “software usage”. All the “world changing” stuff seem like they need a polishing.  What we need are better interactive systems. Oh yeah! We need better engineers!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please Leave your Feedback / Suggestions