User-friendliness

Software is user-friendly if it is easy-to-use or -install and transparent, specially for persons inexperienced with computers and device drivers . 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, computer and software usability and plug-and-play (hardware autodetection).

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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.