Why do our favourite apps seemingly get clunkier and more frustrating to use with each update? Tim Bray speculates it’s because product managers are chasing after that fabled UX (user experience) breakthrough that will get them recognition and promotions, but it doesn’t usually pan out when their apps are used by millions of people. He says if businesses took customer retraining into account when estimating the cost of their proposed UX changes, we might see less (but more meaningful) UX changes to apps.
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Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
