RE: Can software have human attributes?

["Frederick Menezes" <frederickmenezes -at- yahoo -dot- com>]

Another issue that surfaces while using anthropomorphism relates to the
effect on the user's (human) ego. Users should always feel that they are in
control of the software, and not the other way round. At times, assigning
human characteristics to software may suggest that the software is in
control.

Constructions like "The program lets you do this..." could be changed to
"You can do this [through the program]...".

However, in some cases (specially in wizards and other such programs), using
anthropomorphism seems perfectly appropriate. For example, "The wizard
guides you in...".


Regards,
Frederick Menezes
Pune, India







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