The Only Intuitive Interface Is the Nipple
This piece investigates the origins of the popular quote, 'The only intuitive interface is the nipple,' tracing its history through early internet forums and discussions. It examines how the definition of 'intuitive' in user interface design has evolved over time.
Why it matters
The article provides historical context to a common design adage, challenging the assumption that any digital interface can be truly intuitive without prior learning.
The only "intuitive" interface is the nipple. After that it's all learned.
This is usually attributed to one Bruce Ediger (though at least one person thought it was originally said by Steve Jobs , a manufacturer of fine computers), and refers to the frequent (and invariably inaccurate) description of computer user interfaces as "intuitive". But in 2001, Bruce denied that it was original to him . This made me wonder what the history of the quote was.
My first stop was a dictionary of quotations , but that doesn't have it at all. Perhaps it is indeed relatively recent, then.
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