Just a quick note on a user experience that was just the way it should be: Last week I bought a musical device, a Fireware audio interface. A MOTU (Mark of the Unicorn) 828mkII. Actually, it’s not much of an instrument but rather a computer extension. It is used to connect external audio sources like synthesizers, microphones, and guitars to the computer so that the input signal ? the sound ? can be recorded on and played back from an audio application. Why do I say it was a great user experience? Not only did the package arrive very fast, the 828 also was a pleasure to set up. In the process you realize that the people creating the device and defining its UI are musicians themselves. Everything was self-explanatory, and after connecting everything and installing the drivers, I fired up my Logic Pro audio application, and there the Motu was, waiting to be used. 🙂 Ah yes, and I could get rid of three other devices as well: a mixer, an older Emagic USB audio interface, and a patchbay.

What can we learn from this? Two things, I guess: a) To create a great, compelling user experience, you need to know and deeply understand the target audience. b) It’s always easier to create something great for people who are like yourself.