Inmates are Running the Asylum - Part 2

Book: The Inmates are Running the Asylum Ch. 8-14

Author: Alan Cooper

Comments: Zach

Summary:

The last half of this book started by describing the way a programmer thinks. Since they are usually working alone in a cubicle they think that they are somewhat superior to others because they don't have to answer to anyone while programming. He also mentions that programmers try to reuse code and the code that they are trying to reuse will become the basis for whatever it is that they are working on. There is also a scenario explained to show how Microsoft has a culture where they have bright programmers who end up running the show whether they think they are or not.

The next three chapters started by talking about personas that programmers create in order to build a program to fit each personas needs. Ultimately they want this to end up being something that is created for one person, or a primary persona, and have every other persona be happy with what is designed as well. Then he goes on to explaining different goal types and the multiple goals that coincide with them. Chapter 10 also mentions how software needs to be "polite" and basically be like a human. Chapter 11 shows different scenarios that a programmer has to think about when designing something for a persona. It needs to have a precise vocabulary so that communication can be more effective between human and computer.

The last three chapters start by talking about how programs are tweaked until they work and how they test their product with the public (such as focus groups). Then it delves into a more "how do you know who to listen to" sort of spin where programmers have to decipher which opinion would truly be best for whatever it is they are designing.

Discussion:

I think the second half of the book was a little easier to read because I wasn't getting as mad at the book as I was with the first half. There are certain portions that I still see in some programmers (i.e. I work alone and therefore am better than you) but I think that companies are now trying to create products that their consumers are looking for. I've currently looked into Consulting jobs and I think that they are truly trying to figure out what their customers want and are working with them in almost every step of the design process. Since this book is rather old I think he has hit some points that were relevant back then, but things have changed since then so hopefully we've learned from the mistakes Cooper has described in his book.