Challenging the Myth of Non-Roboticists: A Closer Look at Product Design

Are you a roboticist or someone interested in robotics? Have you ever struggled with programming robots and wished for a simpler framework to work with? Well, you’re not alone. Benjie Holson, an experienced roboticist, recently wrote an intriguing article published on IEEE Spectrum that challenges the common perception of non-roboticists and the efforts to target them with simplified robotic frameworks.

In his article, Benjie argues that the idea most people have of non-roboticists is a myth, and attempts to create simplified robotic frameworks for this group are often doomed to fail. He emphasizes that the real issue lies in product design – focusing on the wrong hard parts and designing for a vaguely-defined audience that doesn’t truly exist, the mythical non-roboticist.

These points made by Benjie are not only relevant to robotics but also to product design in general. Designing a product that doesn’t address the actual needs of real users is a recipe for failure. His advice on creating an effective API framework that genuinely lowers the complexity bar is applicable across various design disciplines.

Benjie’s two key pieces of advice are crucial for successful product design. First, don’t design for poorly-defined groups – your product should serve the actual needs of real users. Second, assume your users are as smart as you are but less tolerant of issues like compatibility and configuration problems. Remove these obstacles so users can focus on getting work done efficiently.

While robotic frameworks like ROS are valuable and extensible, attempts to simplify them often miss the mark. Benjie warns against falling into the trap of creating a framework for a mythical audience and stresses the importance of thoughtful product design.

Whether you’re designing APIs, robotics frameworks, or any other product, Benjie’s advice on product design is invaluable. By focusing on real user needs and removing unnecessary complexities, you can create a product that is truly effective and user-friendly. So, next time you’re designing a product, remember Benjie’s wise words and avoid the pitfalls of designing for the mythical non-roboticist.