Hard work Quote by Marshall McLuhan
“If it works, it's obsolete.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Understanding Media, 1964
If a technology works well, it becomes invisible and obsolete.
In simple terms: Effective tools fade into background.
Key Takeaway
Value simplicity and invisibility.
Themes
technology
obsolescence
design
usability
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
practical
When to use this quote
- product design
- software development
- user experience
- infrastructure
Key Concepts
Media theory
human‑centered design
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a tool become invisible?
- How to design for graceful aging?
A Different Perspective
Obsolescence can be intentional, not accidental.
