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janicew · 12-05-2011, 03:54 PM

I've read Jakob Nielsen's reports for years (although not as much recently) because of work I've done with web accessibility where he was very well known. My opinion is that Nielsen tends to be highly idealistic when it comes to usability and certainly isn't about elegance or beauty. (Following the link above to his web site is proof of that.) He tends to approach his usability reviews from a viewpoint of preferring a highly simplistic design. (Again, all just my opinion.) (By the way, the person who posted the link didn't write the review.) (BTW, Nielsen also reviewed the Kindle 2 and criticized it's usability two years ago: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/kindle-writing.html. I think you'll get the feel of where my opinion comes from reading both.)

However, Nielsen's not necessarily wrong either, it's just that he's a bit over the top in focusing on the negative and has expectations that are not necessarily in line with the average user. He does state - "Our studies of Kindle Fire weren't intended to advise consumers on whether to buy a Fire device. Our goal was to discover design guidelines for companies that are building websites, apps, or content that their customers might access on a Fire." And app designers could probably learn from his commentary. Overall his article becomes much more about the 7" tablet experience then it is specifically about the Kindle Fire. Nielsen is completely 100% focused on the simplicity of use and details of usability. This is NOT a comprehensive look at the Fire, what it does, or how it works for the price point it's offered at.

Unfortunately, the review has already gone "mainstream" enough that it hit my top tech news feed from Google.

And most people won't look at this review for what it is. The recaps by other sources are already leaving out his comments about design guidelines and other pertinent information to make it just sound like a KF bashing.

12-05-2011, 03:54 PM	#4
janicew Enthusiast Posts: 42 Karma: 12 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Midwest Device: Kindle Keyboard, Kindle Fire	I've read Jakob Nielsen's reports for years (although not as much recently) because of work I've done with web accessibility where he was very well known. My opinion is that Nielsen tends to be highly idealistic when it comes to usability and certainly isn't about elegance or beauty. (Following the link above to his web site is proof of that.) He tends to approach his usability reviews from a viewpoint of preferring a highly simplistic design. (Again, all just my opinion.) (By the way, the person who posted the link didn't write the review.) (BTW, Nielsen also reviewed the Kindle 2 and criticized it's usability two years ago: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/kindle-writing.html. I think you'll get the feel of where my opinion comes from reading both.) However, Nielsen's not necessarily wrong either, it's just that he's a bit over the top in focusing on the negative and has expectations that are not necessarily in line with the average user. He does state - "Our studies of Kindle Fire weren't intended to advise consumers on whether to buy a Fire device. Our goal was to discover design guidelines for companies that are building websites, apps, or content that their customers might access on a Fire." And app designers could probably learn from his commentary. Overall his article becomes much more about the 7" tablet experience then it is specifically about the Kindle Fire. Nielsen is completely 100% focused on the simplicity of use and details of usability. This is NOT a comprehensive look at the Fire, what it does, or how it works for the price point it's offered at. Unfortunately, the review has already gone "mainstream" enough that it hit my top tech news feed from Google. And most people won't look at this review for what it is. The recaps by other sources are already leaving out his comments about design guidelines and other pertinent information to make it just sound like a KF bashing.