Computers Quote by Ellen Ullman
“Introduced in the 1960s, multitasking is an engineering strategy for making computers more efficient. Human beings are the slowest elements in a system.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Myth of Multitasking” (1999) in The New York Times Magazine
Multitasking is a design for machines, not humans, who are inherently slower and need focus.
In simple terms: Humans aren’t built for multitasking.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize single tasks.
Themes
technology
human limits
efficiency
Mood
practical
instructive
Type
professional
technical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- learning
- software design
Key Concepts
cognitive load
attention
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you design work to reduce task switching?
- What strategies improve focus?
A Different Perspective
Attempting multitasking can reduce overall productivity.
![“I've always written. I'm from an older generation of programmers [who] did not come out of engineering. [A]ll sorts of people were drawn in from the social sciences and humanities.” quote by Ellen Ullman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/341/ellen-ullman-3943_engineering_i-ve-always-written-i-m-from-an-older-ge_363898.jpg)
