[TYPO3-hci] Open Source usability sucks?

[Kasper Skårhøj]

Hi Silke,

>
> Is there a precise definition of what our target groups are?

We do have target groups defined (see wiki).

If you mean; who are we producing this software for?

The answer is inherent in Open Source: Our selves!

In commercial software we produce for the customer, here we solve our  
own problems. TYPO3 became what it is because that was the sort of  
tool I originally needed and what I was passionate about making. That  
has now attracted other people with a similar mindset and in a way re- 
inforcing our "identity" although variations exist.

There is one road we cannot walk; the road to a system our neighbour  
wants. It carries absolutely no motivation to solve our neighbours  
problem unless you rely on borrowing his Weber barbeque for your  
summer party.

Here is a great quote from the article: "If traditional OSS  
development is about scratching a personal itch, usability is about  
being aware of and concerned about the itches of others".

This is as true as it can get - but also point out a problem far more  
interesting than how to make HCI tests on the system between  
versions; namely: How on earth do you get developers to care for the  
itches of others! The whole argument that open source works is that  
you want to scratch your own itch!

So, the 1.000.000$ question: How can you make a developer care for  
another persons itch?

- kasper