[pbhjpbhj]

No insinuation.

Squishy suggested it may not be programming, but there's no reason why it couldn't be a neologism or brand name in that field.

[gehant]

ah, I didn't think about that possibility - so that means it's still yours for the taking

Although I love the economist, I find they tend to touch upon computer technology less frequently as compared to the natural sciences

[pbhjpbhj]

There's an article in Compute! from July 1991 that uses the term "squishy" to describe technology with a natural feel - soft buttons, rounded corners, etc. (I'm thinking Existenz!).