It's a Design Principle That Has Transformed the World and Even Saved Lives. It's Gone Way Too Far.

"Usability is one of the cornerstone achievements of our society over the past century. It has allowed us to translate an increasingly complex world into tools that anyone can understand and apply."

"I once believed that usability was, without question, the most important one. The consensus among scholars and practitioners in design is nearly unanimous: Usability is one of the cornerstone achievements of our society."

"Usability smoothed over the frustrations of a world full of friction. However, a shift in perspective has emerged, recognizing that while usability is important, it may not address deeper issues in user experience."

"The problem isn't usability itself; it is the limitations of focusing solely on usability that can lead to overlooking the broader context of user interactions."

Usability has been regarded as a fundamental achievement in design, making technology accessible and intuitive. Initially, it was believed to be the most crucial aspect of design, helping users navigate complex systems. However, a shift in perspective has emerged, recognizing that while usability is important, it may not address deeper issues in user experience. The focus on usability alone can overlook the broader context of user interactions and the emotional aspects of design, suggesting a need for a more holistic approach.

Read at Slate Magazine