On being "outdated"
An acquaintance recently called my user-experience (UX) message “outdated.” As perceptions are always true in the eyes of the beholder, I did not contest this remark. But I’m surprised that this person doesn’t seem to understand either my mission or the industry we’re in. Let me explain.
I teach a subject called “UX 101.” It’s an entry-level course for CEOs and their ilk. I teach this “class” because every day, there are thousands of newcomers to interactive media. Someone has to help them understand what this brave new world is all about. And a lot of things remain constant across time and space. Kind of like Newtonian physics. I’ve written a couple of books for this target group, too.
Naturally, if you’ve been in our industry for any length of time, you’ve probably heard my stories. Or been exposed to concepts I helped develop. Or adopted various best practices, without thought to their history.
And that is as it should be. As President Harry S. Truman once said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.”
“Outdated”? I can’t help but smile. And I’m flattered that folks get something out of “UX 101.” Now it’s your turn to take things to the next level while I continue to work on those entry level CEOs :)