Today, on digg.com, I followed a link to a blog post about the poorly designed USB ports on a Dell Latitude laptop. It reminded me of a recent rant I had in the office about a similar problem I had with my Dell tower PC (an Optiplex GX 280). As a result of my venomous rant, I was even given honorary membership of the iQ Content Apple fan club, increasing the number of cardholders by 25%. It was a proud moment. But what was my beef with Dell?

Dell Optiplex GX280 misplacement of the USB ports

My tower PC sits on the floor, under my desk. In terms of saving space, it’s the only place for it. I assume most tower PCs are placed in the same way. The problem I have is also with two USB ports. The Dell PC has a plastic flap at the front, under which are hidden the USB ports and a slot for headphones. The problem is the placement of these two USB ports. They are low and open downward towards the floor. It’s almost impossible to actually find them let alone plug something into them, unless you want to lie completely horiztonal while trying to do so. The only way to get access to them is to rip off the plastic flap and then use a USB extension cable.

Is Dell’s poor usability design a big deal?

Dell PCs are a fraction of the cost of an Apple-equivalent specification. Perhaps this “small” inconvenience is worth the cost. Dell doesn’t hire leading designers to produce a beautiful PC so it can pass the savings onto the customer. I don’t buy it. This example is simple ergonomics, not aesthetics. I’m not looking for the same beautiful visceral response in a Dell that I expect when I use an Apple. There doesn’t need to be this kind of trade-off. I’m not asking for a beautiful looking Dell, just one that is simply usable.

Design evolving

In Dell’s defence, a new Optiplex GX520 that we bought yesterday has no plastic flap and a pair of USB ports that are much easier to reach.
They’re described on the Dell site as “Two USB 2.0 ports are conveniently located on the front of the system with easy access and spacing for side by side installation of USB devices”. Perhaps they’ve learned from their previous mistakes or read a couple of critical blog posts! It’s good to see the design evolve, with the latest incarnation ironing out what must have been a real problem for users like me.

The moral of the story is that designing usability is not just about websites, it’s also about the everyday things.

Recommended reading on design and usability

• The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman.
• The Inmates Are Running the Asylum: Why High-tech Products Drive Us Crazy and How to Restore the Sanity by Alan Cooper