An information retrieval system will tend not to be used…
““An information retrieval system will tend not to be used whenever it is more painful and troublesome for a customer to have information than for him not to have it... Where an information retrieval system tends not to be used, a more capable information retrieval system may tend to be used even less.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Information systems are underused when they are more burdensome than beneficial; improving usability is essential.
In simple terms: Complex systems deter use.
Key Takeaway
Simplify information retrieval.
Themes
information
usability
technology
efficiency
human factors
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
quote
technical insight
When to use this quote
- customer service
- library search
- online platforms
Key Concepts
human‑computer interaction
information architecture
system design
Questions to Reflect On
- What design changes would make retrieval effortless?
- How to measure user satisfaction?
A Different Perspective
Even simplified systems may still face adoption barriers.