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Jef Raskin Quotes

1943–2005 United States

Jef Raskin (9 March 1943 – 26 February 2005) was an expert in human-computer interaction who began the Macintosh project for Apple Computer.

United States

Also known as: Raskin, Jef

Random Jef Raskin quote

26 quotes

Users do not care about what is inside the box, as long as the box does what they need done.

The Humane Interface (2001)

In looking back at this turn-of-the-century period, the rise of a worldwide network will be seen as the most significant part of the computer revolution.

Imagine if every Thursday your shoes exploded if you tied them the usual way. This happens to us all the time with computers, and nobody thinks of complaining.

As far as the customer is concerned, the interface is the product.

The Humane Interface (2001)

Right now, computers, which are supposed to be our servant, are oppressing us.

He acts without thinking and with bad judgment.

A computer shall not waste your time or require you to do more work than is strictly necessary.

The Humane Interface (2001)

An interface is humane if it is responsive to human needs and considerate of human frailties.

The Humane Interface (2001)

I have always liked Steve personally, but I have found it impossible to work for him and retain much enjoyment in my work.

Once the product's task is known, design the interface first; then implement to the interface design.

The Humane Interface (2001)

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

The Humane Interface (2001)

When you have to choose among methods, your locus of attention is drawn from the task and temporarily becomes the decision itself.

The Humane Interface (2001)

The system should treat all user input as sacred.

The Humane Interface (2001)

While Mr. Jobs's stated positions on management techniques are all quite noble and worthy, in practice he is a dreadful manager.

He does not give credit where due. This is an especially damaging trait in a company that depends on innovation for its surival.

Jobs also has favorites, who can do no wrong--and others can do no right. He will uncritically dismiss an idea saying: "Oh, that's X's idea. His ideas aren't worth anything."

He is a prime example of a manager who takes the credit for his optimistic schedules and then blames the workers when deadlines are not met.

Have you ever noticed that there are no Maytag user groups? Nobody needs a mutual support group to run a washing machine.

Programmers At Work (1986)

I am only a footnote, but proud of the footnote I have become... the rise of a worldwide network will be seen as the most significant part of the computer revolution.

An unlimited-length file name is a file. The content of a file is its own best name.

The Humane Interface (2001)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Jef Raskin (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.