reflections

Author: kaizer1v

public/assets/play/mathjs.png

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ title: Mathjs
 publishDate: 01 Dec 2016
 description: a simple js library for performing basic math like statistical and set theory based operations
 year: 2021
-thumbnail: 
+thumbnail: mathjs.png
 tags: coding, javascript
 direct_link: https://www.npmjs.com/package/simplemathjs
 ---

src/data/play/04_mathjs.md

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+---
+title: Thoughts on Don Norman’s Early Report - The Trouble with Unix
+publishDate: 10 Dec 2023
+description: My thoughts on Don Norman's Unix report & designing an interface without a GUI
+---
+
+
+## Focus Areas & Key Takeaways
+
+The core argument is that while the Unix command line is elegant in its underlying system design, its user interface is not. Norman points out several inconsistencies
+
+* Syntax rules in the command language vary
+* Function names often don’t align with their intended purpose
+* Behaviors are hidden from the user, making the system’s model difficult to grasp
+
+For example, when a user first opens the command line, they’re greeted with nothing but a blank screen. It assumes prior knowledge of what to do. Even typing help often overwhelms users with exhaustive listings rather than guiding them toward possibilities
+
+Unix is undeniably powerful, but Norman argues that its **interface was neglected**, leaving users struggling to bridge the gap between capability and usability.
+
+
+## Case in point: the `cat` command
+
+One well-known inconsistency is with the `cat` command. Designed for concat*enating two files, its side effect—printing the contents of a single file—led users to adopt it as a file viewer (`cat <filename>`). While efficient from a systems perspective (no need to create a new command), this introduces confusion. The intention of the command doesn’t match its usage, raising the cognitive load for users.
+
+This illustrates Norman’s broader point: Unix prioritizes optimal use of primitives over user comprehension, resulting in a steeper learning curve and a less friendly experience.
+
+
+## Feedback (or the lack thereof)
+
+Another critical flaw is the command line’s limited interactive feedback. Unlike a human conversation, it rarely acknowledges context or warns users about irreversible actions. For example
+
+* Quitting an editor without saving may delete work, yet no warning appears
+* Running destructive commands offers no safety net unless explicitly coded
+
+These design decisions might benefit scripting and automation but often punish interactive users
+
+
+## Aliases as a design hack
+
+A partial solution emerged in the form of aliases, which allow users to customize command names and workflows to suit their mental models. While useful, this is essentially a workaround—shifting the burden of good design from system architects to the end user.
+
+Norman’s Three Principles for System Design
+
+## Norman emphasizes three timeless principles:
+
+* **Be Consistent:** A coherent set of rules should be applied across all commands and contexts.
+
+* **Provide an Explicit Model:** Users build mental models of systems. If none is provided, they’ll invent their own—often incorrectly.
+
+* **Provide Mnemonic Aids:** Use familiar, memorable terms to help users retain commands more easily.
+
+## Broader Reflections
+
+Norman’s short paper feels less like a critique of software and more like an exploration of designing a language. Communicating with the command line is akin to conversing in a protocol, which in turn recalls the movie Arrival, where the structure of language itself becomes a tool for thought
+
+And here’s a fascinating thought: with the rise of large language models like ChatGPT, the way we communicate with computers is shifting dramatically. Perhaps these systems can finally deliver the conversational feedback loops Unix lacked
+
+## Links
+
+- [🔗 How to design for the commandline (Youtube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsjeZZVAk1E)
+- [🔗 The paper (PDF file)](https://people.computing.clemson.edu/~jmarty/courses/LinuxStuff/NormanTheTroublewithUnix.ScanofDatamation1981.pdf)