User-friendliness

Software is user-friendly if it is easy-to-use especially for persons inexperienced with computers. The word has come to be applied to other technology as well, such as VCRs.

Various features can be used to make software more user-friendly, such as menu interfaces, online help and automated "troubleshooters," and a simple layout. Apple Computer was well-known in the 1980s for its drive to make computers and software more user-friendly, and it popularised the notion of a "windows"-based graphical user interface, which was picked up by Microsoft with its Microsoft Windows product.

For the concept of user-friendliness in computer systems, see human-computer interaction and computer and software usability.

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In home appliances, user-friendliness includes easy or automatic cleaning and explore the user´s needs and desires to include them in the product.

See also: quality and Total Quality Management.