I beg to differ. ;^)
Now, I do like to share quotes here that might be a little critical. I also, though, like to answer these, to give my own take on them, to maybe raise some counterclaims – especially if they’re pretty popular, like this one here.
I also like being an engineer. Yup, I’m a little old-fashioned that way. Sure, I usually normally call myself a “user researcher,” but something really needs to be said for being an engineer. For one, it’s important to know that what I’m telling you is really not just my opinion. There’s something behind all this. (Heck, my results might even be replicable!)
At the same time, I’m not a pure, academic researcher. My focus is on the practical. I’m also involved quite closely in design. “Engineer” perfectly describes this role for me.
I’m also pretty good about staying in my lane. I let designers and writers get as clever and innovative and “kewl” as they like – as long it doesn’t interfere with usability.
There’s something more important here, though, that really gets under my skin. And that’s context. There are many sites and apps and software applications, with many different users and many different purposes.
Most of the time, however, users want to do something very practical – find info, buy tickets, transfer money, get directions to somewhere … I’m not sure any of these folks want beer poured on them.
Now, that said, there is certainly room for some fun. Once again, though, it all depends on the context. A medical system that’s used in the ER? Probably not. Another dating app? Sure, why not.
Actually, my guess here is Spolsky was probably having a little fun with this quote. I’m sure he fully understands the value – and limitations – of usability engineers. There sure aren’t any usability engineers (or interaction designers) I know that are designing nightclubs that I know of.
Joel’s a software engineer – he should know all about this stuff!
