Additionally, the principles discussed in this chapter are supported by a number of design tactics and implementations, which, in the interest of space, are not included in this volume. Defined An information appliance is a computer-enhanced consumer device dedicated to a restricted cluster of tasks. A dishwasher washes dishes. A microwave oven has the task of heating food. Instead of using a PC that does everything from email to 3D game playing, users can have inexpensive information appliances that perform a restricted collection of tasks.
Information appliances offer a compelling alternative due to their low cost and ease of use.
Each of these is addressed below. For consumers, user interface metaphors and models that are borrowed from desktop environments may not be appropriate. Pop-up menus, scrollbars, drag and drop, or the computer desktop may be quite unfamiliar. On the other hand, they are familiar with appliances such as push-button phones, microwave oven control panels, and TV remote controls. Some products fail because consumers find them too difficult to use.