Transparent Designs: Personal Computing and the Politics of User-Friendliness

The cultural history of the personal computer explains how user-friendly design allows tech companies to build systems that we cannot understand. Transparent Designs by Michael L. Black revisits early debates about how personal computers could be seen as usable and useful by the average person. He shows how the foundational principles of usability theory were shaped through disagreements over the languages and business strategies developed in response to skepticism. The book asks us to consider the consequences of a computational culture that is based on the assumption that the average person does not need to know anything about the internal operations of the computers we've come to depend on.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

This captivating cultural history delves into the intricate relationship between user-friendly design and the enigmatic nature of personal computers. By examining the origins of personal computing, from the early Tandy TRS-80 and Commodore PET to the IBM PC and Apple Macintosh, Transparent Designs sheds light on how tech companies have crafted systems that often remain beyond our comprehension.

The book delves into the early debates surrounding the usability of personal computers, exploring how hobbyist newsletters, computing magazines, user manuals, and advertisements shaped public perception. Michael L. Black, the author, conducts a meticulous archival study to uncover how skepticism about personal computing influenced the development of usability theory. He demonstrates how disagreements over language and business strategies shaped the foundational principles of usability, ultimately shaping the way we interact with our computers today.

One of the key themes of Transparent Designs is the expansion of our definition of usability. The book challenges the notion that the average person should be solely concerned with the hardware and software interfaces of their computers. Instead, it emphasizes the role of popular and technical rhetoric in shaping user expectations about what constitutes usable and useful technology. Black argues that these expectations are often more influential than the actual features and capabilities of the devices we rely on.

The book offers a fresh perspective on the first decade of personal computing, highlighting how the convergence of popular culture and technological innovation shaped the development of personal computers. Black explores how the marketing strategies employed by tech companies influenced user perceptions and expectations, ultimately shaping the design and functionality of these devices. He also examines how the rise of the personal computer revolution impacted society, economy, and culture, and how it continues to shape our lives today.

In conclusion, Transparent Designs is a thought-provoking exploration of the cultural history of personal computers. By challenging our assumptions about usability and examining the broader political and economic implications of user-friendly design, the book offers a valuable insight into the complex relationship between technology and society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, philosophy, and future of personal computing.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 164 x 237 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421443539