The person I replied to said, "that interface designers or even the average computer user understands more than in 1992 is highly implausible on its face"
Think of computer users at the ages of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 in 1992. For each group, estimate their computer knowledge when they sat down at a computer in 1992.
Now do the same exercise for the year 2026.
How is it highly implausible on its face that the average computer user in 2026 understands less than the average computer user in 1992?
> The person I replied to said, "that interface designers or even the average computer user understands more than in 1992 is highly implausible on its face"
Yes, I agree with this person.
>How is it highly implausible on its face that the average computer user in 2026 understands less than the average computer user in 1992?
I don't think it is. Particularly with the average user, the bar of understanding is lower now.
> Particularly with the average user, the bar of understanding is lower now.
Can you explain how this is true given that everyone using a computer today has had a lifetime of computer use whereas in 1992 many people were encountering computers for the first time?
1. Computer users were generally well-educated, unlike today.
2. UX designers didn’t inherit any mess and could operate from first principles.
3. The “experience” of modern users—phones, tablets, and software that does everything for you—doesn’t translate the way you think. And it explains why Gen Z seems to have regressed in terms of tech knowledge.
> Can you explain how this is true given that everyone using a computer today has had a lifetime of computer use whereas in 1992 many people were encountering computers for the first time?
The userbase has been watered down with a larger proportion of individuals who are not highly technical.
The person I replied to said, "that interface designers or even the average computer user understands more than in 1992 is highly implausible on its face"
Think of computer users at the ages of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 in 1992. For each group, estimate their computer knowledge when they sat down at a computer in 1992.
Now do the same exercise for the year 2026.
How is it highly implausible on its face that the average computer user in 2026 understands less than the average computer user in 1992?