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About this quote

What does it mean?
Software must minimize wasted time and unnecessary effort for users.
In plain terms
Computers should save your time and work.
What can you take from it?
Efficiency is a core requirement for software.

Where it applies

  • software design
  • user experience
  • workflow optimization

Putting it to work

  • remove unnecessary steps
  • optimize task completion

Questions to consider

  • Does your software save or waste time?
  • What tasks feel unnecessarily difficult?

Another view

Complex tasks inherently require significant effort.

More from Jef Raskin

  1. A computer shall not harm your work or, through inaction, allow your work to come to harm.

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. An interface is humane if it is responsive to human needs and considerate of human frailties.

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. The system should treat all user input as sacred.

    Permalink to quote #8

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