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> I'm just starting off a research project looking at whether 'intuitive' software applications actually exist, and discussing the implications for documentation of such systems.
Nothing can be 100% intuitive. Even a mechanical pencil can be
relatively complex given the right user (one who's never seen one
before).
> I'd be grateful for your input on what you understand by 'intuitive' software applications, whether you think they exist, and whether users and tech writers/ developers have different understanding of the term 'intuitive'.
I think they do exist to some extent. Of course, the intuitive aspect
s dependent on the user's conceptual knowledge of the technology. Take
IM software for example. Millions of people use it daily, and most
have never read a word on how this stuff works or how to use it. It's
a simple form-based UI that varies from one make/model to the next.
You click a name in your list, you click a button labeled "chat" or
something, and then a small dialog box pops up with a text input
field, a scrolling log of the conversation, and a "send" button. Even
adding "buddies" is getting more and more "intuitive" as time rolls
on.
That's one example. I'm sure there are many more, but it's bagel time here! :-)
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