I entered this class knowing very little about how computers work on the inside.  I personally found this article rather difficult to comprehend.  I took very little out of it aside from the idea that computer systems, especially things such as word processing systems, should be designed to be more user friendly.  I was incredibly lost in the detail and logistics the types of programs, files, etc. which were described.  My confusion, however, seems testimony to the need for more simplistic systems.  The use of figures proved of little help- I would have liked to see the figures contain actual examples so that I could make the connections myself rather than relying on numbers.

Reading this publication nearly 50 years after it’s publication it is amazing to see how many of the ideas have been put into affect.  As I write this blog, I utilize many of the strategies outlined in the work. Some examples include:

• Cut, copy, and paste
• Draft, edit
• Duplicate, annotate
• Organize, rearrange
• Create lists

Nelson hit the nail on the head when he said: 

“Despite this file’s adaptability to complex purposes, it has the advantage of being conceptually very simple. Its structure is complete, closed, and unified as a concept. This is its psychological virtue. Its use can be easily taught to people who do not understand computers. We can use it to try out combinations that interest us, to make alternatives clear in their details and relationships, to keep track of developments as they occur, to sketch things we know, like or currently require; and it will stand by for modifications. It can be extended for all sorts of purposes, and implemented or incorporated in any pro- gramming language.”

In addition to this statement, Nelson speaks of the benefits of such systems in the realms of educational use.  Computer programming now allows virtually anyone with access to a computer the conduct research on topics- whether it is to do background research, publish one’s own, or continue where someone left off.  One can use these resources to prove, disprove, or build on prior theories or knowledge.  It provides access to a better understanding of that which we study, so that the same work need not be done twice, and so that we may advance through thought, theory, design, or practice.

Nelson’s mentions that what users see on a computer is seems rather simple, but what goes on beneath the surface is quite complex.  I am interested in learning more about the technicalities of how these things work, but also quite intimidated.  To be honest, it is hard to be motivated to learn the technicalities of something so complex which has been dumbed down enough to the point that the general public generally does not need to know what goes on underneath… but I am also excited.  In a day when technology continues to play an exceedingly important part, both for business and pleasure, it is time for us to get up to speed with the latest uses and capabilities.