[tbitrust]

> a panel of users with sub-90 IQ who were in a stressful environment and trying to complete other tasks at the same time, blind users, deaf users, et c.

For me, the first task would be to make absolutely sure that I block any apps designed by you. Such lack of empathy in your wording proves that you cannot possibly be a decent, half-decent, or even mediocre UI designer.

[zer00eyz]

“Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.”

— George Carlin

You get that when I was on the other side of that 2 way mirror one of the qualifications to be a user was "can you use a mouse". As late as 2005 people being able to navigate a basic web form was quite the challenge.

Find someone far removed from tech and ask them if they have used ChatGPT.

That IQ 90 user stressed out of their mind isnt that far from reality. Go look at the "bad/poor/low quality" content on Facebook, or YouTube or if your brave tick tock. That is the person you're writing an app for.

[tbitrust]

I don't think that people "far removed from tech" are "sub-90 IQ" (a "delicate" euphemism for "stupid").

And I don't think that people on facebook, youtube or tick tock are "sub-90 IQ".

Thanks for making clear that it's what was implied by the original commenter.

That's lack of empathy coupled with sheer, crass ignorance.

[zer00eyz]

I know people with PHD's who can run rings around you on "their topic" and can't cross the street without support.

I know teachers who are smart, and phenomenal at their job who I had to arm twist to go play with chat GPT cause it's not in their wheelhouse/on their radar.

The not so bright person, who is stressed out is likely a user of your app. The same as the absent minded PHD or the teacher who is too over worked to care about your new tech widget.

These are real people. And there are a LOT OF THEM (for there to be an average 100 intelligence there are a fair number of people UNDER IT). You can go look on FB/YouTube/Ticktok and find them. "Stupid" people exist, there are a lot of them. Making sure your app works for them is good for them, for your company, for your customer support costs... The whole point of usability is to get average, less technical people in and get them testing your app.

To put a fine and final point on it, after 90 IQ, the author went on to talk about blind people. Candidly your app working for everyone with a disadvantage is just good business and shows a LOT Of empathy. A point you seem to have missed in your indignation.

[throw_pm23]

I'm with you on all these examples but why is it wrong if someone is not interested in chatGPT?

[zer00eyz]

The only thing that is wrong is when UI doesn't account for these sorts of user contexts (disengaged, disinterested, distracted, disabled ...)

Chat GPT is about highlighting a breadth of experience. The world has stupid people and smart people who will be baffled by bad UI. It has people who might not have the context that we, the tech community, has around emergent tools.

Many of us live so far in the tech bubble that we forget how people who do "other things" approach technology. This is the gap that UI design should be bridging (and is doing a horrid job at these days)

[Qwertious]

"sub-90 IQ", when interpreted literally, means the dumbest 25% of the population. I think it's awfully important to remember not to ignore 1/4 of the population.

[wharvle]

… lack of empathy? Where?