What a legacy Steve Jobs leaves behind.


It is particularly pertinent that I have just embarked on the Technology for Creativity and Innovation module on the MICL.  We are looking at user experience, usability and human computer interaction.

Recently, my 8yr old son came running into the study whilst I was on the landline telephone.  He had heard a text arrive from my husband who was abroad.  We couldn't find something and had asked for his help.  My son had often picked it up my mobile only to be asked to put it down again.  This time, because I was busy on the other 'phone, he picked up the iPhone, opened the text, read it and carried out the instructions which involved looking in the garage.  He emerged, replied to the text and returned to his game.  I didn't realise what he'd done until some time later.  I was amazed.

I shouldn't have been so surprised, I suppose.  Apple really seems to have managed to tick all the boxes when it comes to usability and the story above shows that the iPhone text application certainly adheres to the 'ten-minute rule' (Nelson, 1980).


Apple has a fascinating history and I look forward to finding out more about their approach and the stories behind the products.

RIP Steve Jobs.