It always amazes me when an ugly application is thrown out because it's ugly -- not how it functions. Then, it's compared to a polished interface that is barely holding together at the seams. A total failure is somehow more forgivable if it is spewed from a clean, polished interface as opposed to a crooked bland layout. Developers are notorious for releasing interfaces that lack much of the eye-candy that most users take for granted every day. So, that leads to an important question: What do we really want in software? Who told us that a clean interface implied a functional system?

I'm the first to recognize and appreciate a clean, well-thought interface. It's easy on the eyes and offers something more enjoyable than staring at a black text screen. But, what are we really looking for?

It comes down to craftsmanship and acceptance. Why do we build elaborate sports cars and long to own - or at least drive - the latest "release"? You could slap a Ford Pinto body on that frame and achieve the same result. Right? But, we wouldn't accept such a monstrosity -- Certainly not at the listed price tag. But, in software development this is regularly accepted as the norm -- including the sports cart price tag.

In software, presentation and design are just as important as function and robust code. It's an artistic venture to create a clean yet robust software system for the end user to enjoy. It takes extra effort, and likely a graphic designer to assist in the process. But it is always worth it!