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Member's Forum Question of the Month: What design feature do you think is overused, something added out of habit rather than real need?
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  • question of the month
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Question of the Month: What design feature do you think is overused, something added out of habit rather than real need?

cstanton
cstanton 14 days ago

What's a design element or feature you think is overused, something people include out of habit rather than necessary?

When planning a project, it's easy to add unnecessary features in the design phase. These are the "just in case" or "that's how it's always done," but sometimes, those extra elements can add cost, complexity, or waste without really improving the project.

Bonus question: What design feature do you believe is underused?

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Top Replies

  • rsc
    rsc 1 day ago +5
    Overused - Software that can't be used without an internet connection. On several field experiments, we were out in the ocean with no internet and several instruments could not be used. Underused …
  • dougw
    dougw 8 hours ago +3
    How about subscription based "products" where you never own anything, just pay every month regardless of whether you use it.
  • balajivan1995
    balajivan1995 14 days ago +2
    As someone who frequently work with HMI, I voted touch interface. Product companies think using a touch screen device will make the product more intuitive, but in reality consumers are more comfortable…
Parents
  • rsc
    rsc 1 day ago

    Overused - 

    Software that can't be used without an internet connection.  On several field experiments, we were out in the ocean with no internet and several instruments could not be used.

    Underused - Power/reset switches on dev boards.  Having to unplug and plug in a board dozens of times is not good for the connectors. 

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  • dougw
    dougw 1 day ago in reply to rsc

    How about power switches on wall warts to turn power completely off without unplugging.

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  • dougw
    dougw 1 day ago in reply to rsc

    How about power switches on wall warts to turn power completely off without unplugging.

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