One of the mysteries of Microsoft is how so much money can go for R&D with so little to show in the way of true innovation. Part of the problem, of course, is that Microsoft worries about cannibalizing existing products–or not fitting in with various grand visions. Then there’s the issue of whether nutty innovators can be compatibly crazy with BillG and those in his cult. But could some of the problem also be Microsoft’s hiring methodology? Might there be a little too much emphasis on riddles and puzzles that often have little to do with the tasks envisioned for the prospective hire?
Detail: This might also explain why Microsoft interfaces often suck. Regardless of all the beta testing in the world, Martians are not always successful at designing for earthlings. We’re talking about misdirected anality in the extreme–the same kind that had led Microsoft to care more about DRM than about user-friendly e-books.
Microsoft Reader as a riddle: Microsoft has so cunningly hidden some of the most useful features from users of the Pocket PC version–for example, the capability to switch back o the scrollbar after you’ve turned it off. Mobipocket, a better reader, has that problem, too, in the PPC version.
Fairness Department: The Open Source community and public domain communities don’t get off the hook. Too often the hardcore techies prevail over the other volunteers at the expense of usability.
