Difference between revisions of "Convivial Characteristics Narrative"
From Convivial Tools Database
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | The most important of [[Convivial Characteristics]] is [[Usability]], or the ease with which a tool can be used. Usability refers to what is more commonly called "User Friendliness." | + | The most important of [[Convivial Tool Characteristics]] is [[Usability]], or the ease with which a tool can be used. Usability refers to what is more commonly called "User Friendliness." |
The subject of Usability is so vast that it covers many properties that are important [[Convivial Characteristics]] in their own right. One example is [[Intuitive Use]], which means that the user can intuitively discover how to operate the tool without having to refer constantly to the [[User Manual]]. Another is [[Reliability]], which means that the object should repeatedly prove to be effective, and should operate with few and non-catastrophic errors. | The subject of Usability is so vast that it covers many properties that are important [[Convivial Characteristics]] in their own right. One example is [[Intuitive Use]], which means that the user can intuitively discover how to operate the tool without having to refer constantly to the [[User Manual]]. Another is [[Reliability]], which means that the object should repeatedly prove to be effective, and should operate with few and non-catastrophic errors. | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
Reparability is closely related to [[Durability]], which refers to the length of the useful life of the tool. However, ease of repair is only one of the factors that increases a tool's durability and lifespan, others being the quality of the materials and the general robustness of the tool. | Reparability is closely related to [[Durability]], which refers to the length of the useful life of the tool. However, ease of repair is only one of the factors that increases a tool's durability and lifespan, others being the quality of the materials and the general robustness of the tool. | ||
| − | There is much overlap between [[Convivial Characteristics]] and what has traditionally been called [[Ergonomics]]. Ergonomic characteristics will notably tend to increase a tool's usability. | + | There is much overlap between [[Convivial Tool Characteristics]] and what has traditionally been called [[Ergonomics]]. Ergonomic characteristics will notably tend to increase a tool's usability. |
Additional characteristics of convivial tools include those which serve to enhance the primary characteristics. An important secondary characteristic of convivial tools is [[Simplicity]]. A simple tool will tend to be easy to use, easy to repair, and durable. | Additional characteristics of convivial tools include those which serve to enhance the primary characteristics. An important secondary characteristic of convivial tools is [[Simplicity]]. A simple tool will tend to be easy to use, easy to repair, and durable. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
[[Reparability]] may also be enhanced through design of standard interchangeable modules. [[Modularity]] can thus be considered another secondary characteristic of certain type of [[Convivial Tool]]. | [[Reparability]] may also be enhanced through design of standard interchangeable modules. [[Modularity]] can thus be considered another secondary characteristic of certain type of [[Convivial Tool]]. | ||
| − | There is also much overlap between [[Convivial Characteristics]] and [[Environmental Characteristics]]. For example, [[Reparability]] and [[Durability]] are [[Environmental Characteristics]], since increasing the tool's life reduces consumption of resources for its replacement. However, the environmental characteristic of being [[Recyclable]] only enhance the user's independent efficiency if the user specifically desires to recycle the tool at the end of its useful life. We will however assume that the typical user of [[Convivial Tools]] wants tools that are also environmentally and socially friendly. | + | There is also much overlap between [[Convivial Tool Characteristics]] and [[Environmental Characteristics]]. For example, [[Reparability]] and [[Durability]] are [[Environmental Characteristics]], since increasing the tool's life reduces consumption of resources for its replacement. However, the environmental characteristic of being [[Recyclable]] only enhance the user's independent efficiency if the user specifically desires to recycle the tool at the end of its useful life. We will however assume that the typical user of [[Convivial Tools]] wants tools that are also environmentally and socially friendly. |
A characteristic which figures in [[Ivan Illich]]'s basic definition of [[Convivial Tools]] is that they increase [[User Autonomy]]. The tool's capacity to promote autonomy can in itself be considered a fundamental characteristic of the [[Convivial Tool]]. | A characteristic which figures in [[Ivan Illich]]'s basic definition of [[Convivial Tools]] is that they increase [[User Autonomy]]. The tool's capacity to promote autonomy can in itself be considered a fundamental characteristic of the [[Convivial Tool]]. | ||
