#user innovation

[mostlysignssomeportents]

How lock-in hurts design

Berliners: Otherland has added a second date (Jan 28) for my book-talk after the first one sold out - book now!

If you've ever read about design, you've probably encountered the idea of "paving the desire path." A "desire path" is an erosion path created by people departing from the official walkway and taking their own route. The story goes that smart campus planners don't fight the desire paths laid down by students; they pave them, formalizing the route that their constituents have voted for with their feet.

Desire paths aren't always great (Wikipedia notes that "desire paths sometimes cut through sensitive habitats and exclusion zones, threatening wildlife and park security"), but in the context of design, a desire path is a way that users communicate with designers, creating a feedback loop between those two groups. The designers make a product, the users use it in ways that surprise the designer, and the designer integrates all that into a new revision of the product.

This method is widely heralded as a means of "co-innovating" between users and companies. Designers who practice the method are lauded for their humility, their willingness to learn from their users. Tech history is strewn with examples of successful paved desire-paths.

Take John Deere. While today the company is notorious for its war on its customers (via its opposition to right to repair), Deere was once a leader in co-innovation, dispatching roving field engineers to visit farms and learn how farmers had modified their tractors. The best of these modifications would then be worked into the next round of tractor designs, in a virtuous cycle:

https://securityledger.com/2019/03/opinion-my-grandfathers-john-deere-would-support-our-right-to-repair/

But this pattern is even more pronounced in the digital world, because it's much easier to update a digital service than it is to update all the tractors in the field, especially if that service is cloud-based, meaning you can modify the back-end everyone is instantly updated. The most celebrated example of this co-creation is Twitter, whose users created a host of its core features.

Retweets, for example, were a user creation. Users who saw something they liked on the service would type "RT" and paste the text and the link into a new tweet composition window. Same for quote-tweets: users copied the URL for a tweet and pasted it in below their own commentary. Twitter designers observed this user innovation and formalized it, turning it into part of Twitter's core feature-set.

Companies are obsessed with discovering digital desire paths. They pay fortunes for analytics software to produce maps of how their users interact with their services, run focus groups, even embed sneaky screen-recording software into their web-pages:

https://www.wired.com/story/the-dark-side-of-replay-sessions-that-record-your-every-move-online/

This relentless surveillance of users is pursued in the name of making things better for them: let us spy on you and we'll figure out where your pain-points and friction are coming from, and remove those. We all win!

But this impulse is a world apart from the humility and respect implied by co-innovation. The constant, nonconsensual observation of users has more to do with controlling users than learning from them.

That is, after all, the ethos of modern technology: the more control a company can exert over its users ,the more value it can transfer from those users to its shareholders. That's the key to enshittification, the ubiquitous platform decay that has degraded virtually all the technology we use, making it worse every day:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/19/twiddler/

When you are seeking to control users, the desire paths they create are all too frequently a means to wrestling control back from you. Take advertising: every time a service makes its ads more obnoxious and invasive, it creates an incentive for its users to search for "how do I install an ad-blocker":

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/07/adblocking-how-about-nah

More than half of all web-users have installed ad-blockers. It's the largest consumer boycott in human history:

https://doc.searls.com/2023/11/11/how-is-the-worlds-biggest-boycott-doing/

But zero app users have installed ad-blockers, because reverse-engineering an app requires that you bypass its encryption, triggering liability under Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. This law provides for a $500,000 fine and a 5-year prison sentence for "circumvention" of access controls:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/12/youre-holding-it-wrong/#if-dishwashers-were-iphones

Beyond that, modifying an app creates liability under copyright, trademark, patent, trade secrets, noncompete, nondisclosure and so on. It's what Jay Freeman calls "felony contempt of business model":

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

This is why services are so horny to drive you to install their app rather using their websites: they are trying to get you to do something that, given your druthers, you would prefer not to do. They want to force you to exit through the gift shop, you want to carve a desire path straight to the parking lot. Apps let them mobilize the law to literally criminalize those desire paths.

An app is just a web-page wrapped in enough IP to make it a felony to block ads in it (or do anything else that wrestles value back from a company). Apps are web-pages where everything not forbidden is mandatory.

Seen in this light, an app is a way to wage war on desire paths, to abandon the cooperative model for co-innovation in favor of the adversarial model of user control and extraction.

Corporate apologists like to claim that the proliferation of apps proves that users like them. Neoliberal economists love the idea that business as usual represents a "revealed preference." This is an intellectually unserious tautology: "you do this, so you must like it":

https://boingboing.net/2024/01/22/hp-ceo-says-customers-are-a-bad-investment-unless-they-can-be-made-to-buy-companys-drm-ink-cartridges.html

Calling an action where no alternatives are permissible a "preference" or a "choice" is a cheap trick – especially when considered against the "preferences" that reveal themselves when a real choice is possible. Take commercial surveillance: when Apple gave Ios users a choice about being spied on – a one-click opt of of app-based surveillance – 96% of users choice no spying:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/05/96-of-us-users-opt-out-of-app-tracking-in-ios-14-5-analytics-find/

But then Apple started spying on those very same users that had opted out of spying by Facebook and other Apple competitors:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

Neoclassical economists aren't just obsessed with revealed preferences – they also love to bandy about the idea of "moral hazard": economic arrangements that tempt people to be dishonest. This is typically applied to the public ("consumers" in the contemptuous parlance of econospeak). But apps are pure moral hazard – for corporations. The ability to prohibit desire paths – and literally imprison rivals who help your users thwart those prohibitions – is too tempting for companies to resist.

The fact that the majority of web users block ads reveals a strong preference for not being spied on ("users just want relevant ads" is such an obvious lie that doesn't merit any serious discussion):

https://www.iccl.ie/news/82-of-the-irish-public-wants-big-techs-toxic-algorithms-switched-off/

Giant companies attained their scale by learning from their users, not by thwarting them. The person using technology always knows something about what they need to do and how they want to do it that the designers can never anticipate. This is especially true of people who are unlike those designers – people who live on the other side of the world, or the other side of the economic divide, or whose bodies don't work the way that the designers' bodies do:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/20/benevolent-dictators/#felony-contempt-of-business-model

Apps – and other technologies that are locked down so their users can be locked in – are the height of technological arrogance. They embody a belief that users are to be told, not heard. If a user wants to do something that the designer didn't anticipate, that's the user's fault:

https://www.wired.com/2010/06/iphone-4-holding-it-wrong/

Corporate enthusiasm for prohibiting you from reconfiguring the tools you use to suit your needs is a declaration of the end of history. "Sure," John Deere execs say, "we once learned from farmers by observing how they modified their tractors. But today's farmers are so much stupider and we are so much smarter that we have nothing to learn from them anymore."

Spying on your users to control them is a poor substitute asking your users their permission to learn from them. Without technological self-determination, preferences can't be revealed. Without the right to seize the means of computation, the desire paths never emerge, leaving designers in the dark about what users really want.

Our policymakers swear loyalty to "innovation" but when corporations ask for the right to decide who can innovate and how, they fall all over themselves to create laws that let companies punish users for the crime of contempt of business-model.

I'm Kickstarting the audiobook for The Bezzle, the sequel to Red Team Blues, narrated by @wilwheaton! You can pre-order the audiobook and ebook, DRM free, as well as the hardcover, signed or unsigned. There's also bundles with Red Team Blues in ebook, audio or paperback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/24/everything-not-mandatory/#is-prohibited

Image: Belem (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Desire_path_%2819811581366%29.jpg

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

[respect-the-locals]

🐙 Daily Cephalopod Fact: 🐙

Coconut Octopus: This species has been reported to show bipedal locomotion, or "stilt-walking". This involves rolling two legs to walk while the other six legs are used to mimic the appearance of a floating coconut. They have also been bserved using tools for concealment and defense by gathering available debris to create a shelter. Researchers have filmed this species collecting coconut half-shells from the sea floor, that had been discarded by humans. They were then carried up to 66 ft and arranged around the body of the octopus to form a spherical hiding place similar to a clam-shell.

[selfdistruckt]

new username alert. lawl

[josephtrohman]

i love learning new things in bandom like did you guys know that, though it’s the second oldest fall out boy fic ever posted, the oldest actually readable fall out boy fic is wentzman. the first Ever fic is peterick of course from 2002 but no one seemed to have archived the actual fic, just the post on the livejournal user’s page that linked to it. lost media the ancient scrolls etc 💔 (source btw)

[charleslandry2722]

Empowering Moments in Motherhood

The journey of motherhood is filled with beautiful moments, and the right products can enhance that experience. When it comes to breastfeeding, momcozy stands out with its innovative breast pumps designed to make the process easier and more comfortable for mothers.

Momcozy breast pumps are not only efficient but also user-friendly, allowing moms to express milk effortlessly while juggling their daily routines. With features like quiet operation and portable designs, these breast pumps empower mothers to continue their breastfeeding journey without feeling restricted.

Many mothers have shared their positive experiences with momcozy, highlighting how the brand's commitment to quality and convenience has made a significant difference in their lives. Whether at home or on the go, momcozy breast pumps provide the flexibility and support that every mother deserves.

Embrace your motherhood journey with confidence, knowing that momcozy is here to support you every step of the way!

[gossippool]

the new york times is using chatgpt for their crosswords now? fuck you

[colekeith8260]

Exploring the Future of Smart Homes with Dreame!

Hello Everyone!

I'm excited to share my thoughts on the amazing advancements in the smart home industry, particularly with the brand Dreame. Their innovative products are truly transforming the way we manage our homes. One standout feature is the dust channel technology, which efficiently captures dust and debris, ensuring a cleaner and healthier living environment.

Dreame's commitment to quality and user-friendly designs makes it easy for anyone to incorporate smart technology into their daily lives. Whether it's through smart vacuums or home automation systems, Dreame is paving the way for a more convenient and enjoyable home experience.

If you're looking for ways to enhance your smart home setup, I highly recommend checking out Dreame's offerings. They are leading the charge in creating products that make our lives easier and more efficient.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the future of smart homes!

Best regards,

Sent from my intuitive smart device!

[sadfghyu76yy]

Exploring the World of Smart Robot Vacuum Cleaners: A Focus on Dreame

In the ever-evolving smart home industry, smart robot vacuum cleaners have become a game changer, making household chores easier and more efficient.

One of the standout brands in this space is Dreame. Their smart robot vacuum cleaners are designed with cutting-edge technology that simplifies cleaning tasks while delivering impressive performance.

Dreame's models come equipped with advanced sensors that allow them to navigate around furniture and obstacles effortlessly. This means you can sit back and relax while your vacuum does the work for you. The powerful suction capability ensures that even the tiniest dust particles and pet hair are picked up, leaving your floors spotless.

What I particularly love about Dreame's products is their affordability without compromising on quality. They offer a range of models to suit various needs and budgets, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy a cleaner home.

The user-friendly app allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, set cleaning modes, and even control the vacuum remotely. This level of convenience is truly a testament to how smart home technology can enhance our daily lives.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a reliable and efficient smart robot vacuum cleaner, Dreame is definitely a brand worth considering. Their commitment to innovation and user satisfaction makes them a leader in the smart home industry.

[dsfsgh774aa]

Exploring the Future of Smart Homes with Dreame's Auto Mop Robot

Are you looking to elevate your home cleaning experience? The smart home industry is rapidly evolving, and one standout product is the auto mop robot from Dreame.

This innovative device combines cutting-edge technology with convenience, making it easier than ever to maintain a spotless home. With its advanced navigation system and powerful mopping capabilities, the Dreame auto mop robot ensures that every corner of your home shines.

Imagine coming home to clean floors without lifting a finger! The Dreame auto mop robot is designed to handle various surfaces, offering a seamless transition from hardwood to tile. Plus, its user-friendly app allows you to schedule cleanings and customize settings to fit your lifestyle.

In a world where time is precious, investing in a smart cleaning solution like Dreame's auto mop robot can transform your daily routine. Embrace the future of home cleaning and enjoy a more comfortable living space!

[ternenceclarissa]

Exploring the Benefits of Momcozy's Babyphone Sans Wifi

In today's fast-paced world, ensuring the safety and comfort of your baby is a top priority for many parents. Momcozy, a brand dedicated to providing innovative maternal and baby products, has introduced the Babyphone Sans Wifi, a fantastic solution for monitoring your little one without the complexities of Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Babyphone Sans Wifi offers a range of features designed to give parents peace of mind. Its reliable connection allows you to keep an eye on your baby from anywhere in your home without the worry of interference or hacking that can sometimes come with Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Additionally, the clear audio and video quality ensure that you can always hear and see your baby, providing comfort and reassurance.

With its user-friendly interface and portable design, the Momcozy Babyphone Sans Wifi makes it easy for parents to stay connected to their little ones, whether they're in another room or outside in the yard. This product not only enhances the parenting experience but also promotes a sense of security and tranquility.

Investing in high-quality baby products like the Momcozy Babyphone Sans Wifi is a step towards creating a nurturing environment for your child. Embrace the joy of parenting with confidence, knowing that your baby is safe and sound.

[hildachristy]

Exploring the Future of Smart Homes with Dreame and iRobot App Mapping

The smart home industry is rapidly evolving, and brands like Dreame are at the forefront of this transformation. With innovative technology and user-friendly features, Dreame is making it easier than ever to manage your home efficiently.

One of the standout features in this realm is the mapping functionality available in various smart home apps. This feature allows users to seamlessly integrate various rooms within their smart home setup. With these apps, you can easily map and designate different areas in your home, ensuring that your cleaning devices operate optimally and cover every corner.

Dreame's products, compatible with popular smart home apps, provide a cohesive experience that enhances your smart home ecosystem. Imagine coming home to a perfectly cleaned space, all thanks to the advanced mapping capabilities that ensure no area is overlooked.

As we embrace the future of smart homes, brands like Dreame continue to innovate and pave the way for a more connected and convenient lifestyle. The integration of smart technology is not just a trend; it's the beginning of a new era in home management.

[03349656115]

appleiphone

[grey-space-computing]

Enhancing User Experience in Saudi Mobile Apps with AI

In the current digital environment, the triumph of mobile applications is deeply rooted in their user experience (UX). With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), mobile apps are becoming more intelligent, responsive, and personalized. In Saudi Arabia, where the digital economy is rapidly expanding, integrating AI into mobile app development is not just a trend—it's a necessity. This article delves into how AI is enhancing user experience in Saudi mobile apps, exploring the benefits, challenges, and future prospects.

1. The Role of AI in Mobile App Development

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed numerous sectors, and mobile app development is certainly among them. In the context of user experience, AI plays a pivotal role in making apps more intuitive, efficient, and tailored to individual user needs. Whether it's through predictive analytics, natural language processing, or machine learning algorithms, AI enhances every aspect of the user journey.

1.1 Predictive Analytics for Personalized Experiences

One of the key advancements AI has brought to mobile app development is predictive analytics. By analyzing user data, AI can predict future behavior and preferences. This allows apps to offer personalized recommendations, content, and services, thereby improving user engagement and satisfaction.

1.2 Natural Language Processing for Better Interaction

Natural Language Processing (NLP) enables apps to understand and respond to user queries in a more human-like manner. In Saudi Arabia, where Arabic is the primary language, NLP can be particularly beneficial in providing seamless communication between the app and the user. By understanding the nuances of the Arabic language, AI can enhance the overall interaction quality.

1.3 Machine Learning for Continuous Improvement

Machine learning algorithms enable apps to learn from user interactions and continuously improve over time. This means that the more a user interacts with an app, the better the app becomes at meeting their needs. For businesses in Saudi Arabia, this translates to higher customer retention rates and increased loyalty.

2. The Importance of UX in Saudi Arabia's Digital Economy

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a digital transformation, with a significant focus on enhancing the digital economy. Mobile apps are at the forefront of this transformation, serving as key platforms for e-commerce, banking, entertainment, and more. In such a competitive market, delivering a superior user experience is crucial for success.

2.1 User-Centric Design: The Key to Success

A user-centric design approach is essential for creating apps that resonate with the target audience. In Saudi Arabia, this means considering cultural nuances, language preferences, and the unique needs of the local population. By integrating AI into the design process, developers can create apps that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging.

2.2 The Impact of AI on User-Centric Design

AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify user pain points and preferences. This information can then be used to design more intuitive interfaces, streamline navigation, and offer features that align with user expectations. For example, AI can propose design modifications based on user feedback, ensuring the app stays relevant and user-friendly.

3. AI-Driven Personalization: A Game Changer for User Engagement

Modern user experiences are deeply rooted in personalization. With AI, mobile apps can deliver highly personalized experiences that keep users engaged and satisfied. From personalized content recommendations to tailored notifications, AI-driven personalization is a game changer for user engagement.

3.1 Personalized Content Recommendations

AI-driven algorithms can assess user behavior to suggest content tailored to their preferences. This is particularly valuable in entertainment apps, where users are more likely to engage with content that resonates with them. In Saudi Arabia, where digital content consumption is on the rise, personalized recommendations can significantly enhance user experience.

3.2 Tailored Notifications for Better Engagement

Notifications are a powerful tool for keeping users engaged with an app. However, generic notifications may often be seen as intrusive. AI can help by sending tailored notifications based on user behavior and preferences. This ensures that users receive relevant updates that add value to their experience.

4. Enhancing Mobile App Security with AI

Security is a top concern for mobile app users, especially when it comes to sensitive information such as financial data. AI can enhance mobile app security by detecting and preventing threats in real-time, providing users with a safer experience.

4.1 AI-Powered Fraud Detection

AI can analyze patterns in user behavior to detect fraudulent activities. For example, if an unusual transaction is detected, the app can alert the user and take preventive measures. This is particularly important for financial apps in Saudi Arabia, where trust and security are paramount.

4.2 Ensuring Data Privacy with AI

Data privacy is a significant concern in the digital age. AI can help ensure that user data is handled securely by monitoring data access and usage. By integrating AI into mobile app development, businesses can build trust with their users by demonstrating a commitment to data privacy.

5. The Future of AI in Saudi Mobile Apps

The outlook for AI in mobile app development in Saudi Arabia is exceptionally promising. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions that enhance user experience.

5.1 AI and Augmented Reality (AR) Integration

One of the most thrilling advancements is the potential for combining AI with augmented reality (AR). This integration promises to create more immersive and interactive experiences by blending digital information with the physical world in real time. This combination can create immersive experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds. For example, AI-powered AR apps can offer personalized shopping experiences, allowing users to virtually try on products before making a purchase.

5.2 Voice-Activated Apps Powered by AI

Voice-activated apps are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to advancements in AI and NLP. In Saudi Arabia, where voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant are widely used, integrating voice activation into mobile apps can enhance accessibility and user convenience.

Conclusion

AI is transforming the landscape of mobile app development in Saudi Arabia, offering new opportunities to enhance user experience. From personalized content recommendations to advanced security features, AI-driven apps are better equipped to meet the evolving needs of users. As the digital economy in Saudi Arabia continues to grow, businesses that leverage AI in their mobile apps will be well-positioned to succeed in this competitive market.

FAQs

1. How does AI improve user experience in mobile apps?

AI enhances user experience by personalizing content, improving app security, and enabling more intuitive interactions.

2. Why is user-centric design important in Saudi mobile apps?

User-centric design ensures that the app meets the unique needs and preferences of the local population, leading to higher user satisfaction.

3. How can AI enhance mobile app security?

AI can detect and prevent security threats in real-time, ensuring that user data is protected.

4. What is the future of AI in mobile apps?

The future of AI in mobile apps includes the integration of augmented reality and voice activation, offering even more immersive and accessible experiences.

5. Why is personalization important in mobile apps?

Personalization keeps users engaged by delivering content and notifications that align with their interests and preferences.

[ophelia-martin]

Dreame: Revolutionizing Smart Home Experiences with the iRobot App for PC

In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, Dreame has emerged as a trailblazer, offering innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate into our daily lives. One of their standout offerings is the Dreame app for PC, a game-changer in the realm of home automation.

With the Dreame app for PC, you can effortlessly control and monitor your Dreame smart home devices from the convenience of your computer. Imagine being able to schedule your robotic vacuum cleaner, adjust your smart lighting, and even monitor your home security system with just a few clicks. The app's intuitive interface and user-friendly design make it a breeze to navigate, ensuring a delightful experience for tech enthusiasts and novices alike.

What sets Dreame apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Their products are meticulously crafted with cutting-edge technology, ensuring reliable performance and seamless connectivity. Whether you're seeking to automate your cleaning routines, enhance your home's energy efficiency, or simply enjoy the convenience of a connected lifestyle, Dreame has got you covered.

As the smart home industry continues to flourish, Dreame stands at the forefront, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. With the Dreame app for PC, they have created a powerful tool that empowers users to take control of their homes like never before. Embrace the future of smart living and experience the convenience and efficiency that Dreame has to offer.

[irene-hanscom]

Smart Home Innovations

I was thinking about how amazing it would be if more people discovered the benefits of smart home devices, especially with brands like Dreame leading the way.

Imagine having a litter box that not only keeps your home clean but also integrates seamlessly with your smart home system.

Picture this with sleek design and advanced technology.

This smart litter box is user-friendly, efficient, and makes pet care a breeze.

I believe this is a fantastic solution for pet owners who want to maintain a tidy home while enjoying the convenience of modern technology.