I have seen the future and I am opposed — Don Norman

I fear the Internet is doomed to fail, to be replaced by tightly controlled gardens of exclusivity. The Internet has extended beyond the capabilities of its origins: the trusting, open interactions among a few research universities. Today it is too easy for unknown entities to penetrate into private homes and businesses, stealing identities and corporate secrets. Fear of damaging programs and the ever-increasing amount of spam (some just annoying but more and more deadly and malicious), threatens the infrastructure. And so, just as previous corporate warlords used the existence of real inefficiencies and deficiencies in other media to gain control, equipment, service and content providers, large corporations will try to use the deficiencies of the Internet to exert control and exclusivity. All the better, they will claim, to provide safe, secure and harmonious operation, while incidentally enhancing profits and reducing competition. Similar arguments will apply to governments as well, invoking the fears of the existing Internet in order to exert control for the benefit of the existing ruling parties.

I have seen the future, and if it turns out the way it is headed, I am opposed. I fear our free and continual access to information and services is doomed to be replaced by tightly controlled gardens of exclusivity. It is time to rethink the present, for it determines the future.

Usability week ending August 1st

Friday, 30th July, 9:41 AM
The disappearing PC http://post.ly/pSXI

Friday, 30th July, 9:07 AM
The real reason why consumers won't pay online -- it's a pain: http://j.mp/adUlHL #usability #ecommerce #ux

Thursday, 29th July, 8:58 AM
Positive emotional stimuli can build a sense of trust and engagement with your users: http://j.mp/cReO19 #ux #ui #interface #design #emotion

Wednesday, 28th July, 12:53 PM
If you're going out on a limb putting up a #paywall, be willing to iterate. The #UX designer's job is never done: http://j.mp/d5LHv7 #design

Wednesday, 28th July, 11:30 AM
Maybe customers are shifting toward self service because they don't want a relationship with companies: http://j.mp/cqVlCe #ux

Monday, 26th July, 5:58 PM
#Citibank is creating a bad customer experience by fooling its prospective customers: http://http://j.mp/6FiBG #ux

via twitter.com/terretta