Two models of software from a user's perspective: "I'll manage the process" vs "you do it for me."

· Bits and Bobs 11/4/25
  • Two models of software from a user's perspective: "I'll manage the process" vs "you do it for me."
    • The former is more a tool.
      • An extension of the user's agency.
    • The latter is more of an assistant.
      • A separate entity the user delegates to.
    • The question is: who does the user blame if it doesn't work?
    • With the tool model, you as a user have to manage it and think about it.
    • With the latter, you can hand over all responsibility for the outcome.
    • The latter requires a brand for the reputation to accrue to.
      • The brands that do a bad job with that delegated responsibility won't tend to earn more users.
    • If the brand does a pretty good job in most cases, people often would prefer the convenience of not having to be responsible.
    • At its heart it's a convenience vs control tradeoff.