Memory Makes a Difference

One of the main reasons our software is often so difficult to use is because its designers have made rational, logical assumptions that, unfortunately, are very wrong. They assume that the behavior of users is random and unpredictable, and that users must be interrogated to determine the proper course of action. Although human behavior certainly isn't deterministic like that of a digital computer, it is rarely random, and asking silly questions is predictably frustrating for users.

However, when we apply memory via task coherence to our software, we can realize great advantages in user efficiency and satisfaction. We would all like to have an assistant who is intelligent and self-motivated, one who shows initiative and drive, and who demonstrates good judgment and a keen memory. A program that makes effective use of its memory would be more like that self-motivated assistant, remembering helpful information and personal preferences from execution to execution without needing to ask. Simple things can make a big difference: the difference between a product your users tolerate, and one that they love. The next time you find your program asking your users a question, make it ask itself one instead.