Big Boss, Big Ego (Usually)
Quoting this from Gruber:
I posit that the usability and elegance of any product, software or hardware, tends to reach and seldom surpasses the level that satisfies the taste of whoever is in charge of the product. This applies universally, not just to free and open source software. For example, it explains why Microsoft produces such crummy software even though the company employees thousands of talented programmers and even designers -- Microsoft's decision makers have no taste. But the problem is endemic to open source. The people in charge of most free and open source software products tend to have poor taste in user interfaces; people with good taste in user interface design are seldom in charge of open source software projects.
This is totally on the mark. You can have the best artists in the world, but if the guy in charge wants polka-dots everywhere, your service is shit out of luck.
Tuesday, 5 August (Permalink Suds: 3) Entries: Previous Next
Comments
Couldn't agree more Rick.
Posted by: Connor Cimowsky at August 5, 2008 3:41 PM
On the bright side, Auteur Theory would seem to work in favor of the artist in this case.
Posted by: Anthony at August 5, 2008 3:51 PM
Hey whats wrong with polka dots! I happen to enjoy them. I own many articles of clothing featuring their dotty goodness. You know you love me.
- Your adoring (if slightly batty) girlfriend.
Posted by: Heather at August 9, 2008 12:54 PM
