Inefficient Quote by Tom Holt
“New technology is useful, but it's inefficient and ugly; it knows it'll be obsolete by lunchtime tomorrow, so it has no incentive to be anything else”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Portable Door, Tom Holt, 1995
Technology that is functional yet flawed lacks motivation to improve because its lifespan is short.
In simple terms: Short‑lived tech stays mediocre.
Key Takeaway
Design for longevity, not just utility.
Themes
technology
design
impermanence
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- product development
- software updates
- hardware design
- startup culture
Key Concepts
obsolescence
incentive structures
Questions to Reflect On
- How does anticipated obsolescence affect design choices?
- Can short‑term efficiency outweigh long‑term quality?
A Different Perspective
If a product is expected to be replaced quickly, quality may suffer.
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