Vendors need to adopt Dark Cockpit

We just published a research note that deserves special attention. Research note n167 – Enterprise software must adopt the principles of Dark Cockpit challenges vendors to rethink the human interface. Vendors can learn a lot from the evolution in the 70’s and 80’s of aircraft cockpit design. Let’s face it; workers have only so much capacity for entering data and interacting with technology. The next frontier in technology is not adding more features, but making them smarter. Simplify, focus, and automate are watchwords that drove the busy, warning light-filled cockpit of the 727 to the crisp workspace of a 787. From three crew members in the 727 to two in a 787, now presented with the information they need when they need it. No blinking light telling the pilot everything is okay and no engine fire checklist unless there’s actually an engine fire. In technology we see the steady creep of shouting within the human interface. Colors, icons, pop-ups, and daily messages all compete for a few moments of precious user time. It is time to stop and change direction. Less is more and more is less. The future is smart features that present themselves when needed and fade away when not. Technology engineers and marketing professionals can learn a lot by exploring the principles of dark cockpit.