The Seven Attributes of Post-PC Devices

Matt Baxter-ReynoldsAugust 2013

This presentation is taken from Chapter 1 of my book, “Death of

the PC”Chapter 1 Post-PC defined (this presentation)

Chapter 2 Post-PC exemplified

Chapter 3 The enterprise niche

Chapter 4 Post-PC at home

Chapter 5 Post-PC at work

Chapter 6 Investing in post-PC

Chapter 7 The future of post-PC Watch me explain the “seven attributes” on YouTube…

Defining Post-PC

• People find it difficult to define what post-PC is…– By creating a reliable set of attributes

we can measure just post-PC a device, some software, or a feature is…

“Always-connected”

• Your data is in the cloud• Your friends and family are on their

devices• The post-PC device is most valuable

when connected…–…by connecting you to the people and

the things that you love

“Always-connected” (2)

• Post-PC devices suffer if it if not connected…– PC’s remain more comparatively more

functional when disconnected

“Always-available”

• The post-PC device is always with you

• Smartphones are “hyperportable”…– Socially, there is an expectation that you

have one with you–We’re used to carrying them around– They’re designed (size, weight) to be

always with us

“Always-available” (2)

• Tablets are less portable…– Live with you in a space, moves around

that space when you need it– e.g. find recipe on sofa in lounge, take

tablet to kitchen with you to cook

“Always-available” (3)

• PCs are not portable…– They require “un-portable” specialist

equipment (desk, chair) to be usable– Power is also a problem

“Relationship-centric”

• The primary objective of post-PC devices is to connect you to…– The people that you love– The things that you love

“Relationship-centric” (2)

• The primary objective of a PC is to drive commercial efficiency…– “We can manage our cashflow better if

we computerise our account department.”

“Low cognitive-loading/Appliance-like”

• Post-PC devices are boneheadedly simple to use

• They behave like appliances…– “Turn oven on, put food in, food gets

hot”

• They look like appliances…– Designed around a handful tasks, done

in a refined and reliable manner

“Low cognitive-loading/Appliance-like” (2)

• PCs are…• Complex, configurable, multifunctional• (Comparatively) difficult to use and keep stable

“End-to-end security/Intimidation-free”

• Post-PC devices actively protect user against…– Exploitation– Intimidation– Embarrassment

“End-to-end security/Intimidation-free” (2)

• They do this through control…• Control of what the user can do…– Locking down the OS

• Control of what the user can install…– App store curation, static and dynamic

validation

“Monochronistic”

• Post-PC devices are one task at a time…– By now familiar metaphor of jumping in

and out of apps– This is deliberate and the genius of that

design is not to be underestimated–Monochronicity creates focus, ease of

use

“Monochronistic” (2)

• Use of a post-PC device is not what you’re primarily doing…– The relationship you’re engaged in is

instead– e.g. taking photos of the kids and

sharing on Instagram – enjoying the kids playing is what you’re primarily doing

“Monochronistic” (3)

• PC’s are polychronistic…– Complex, focused work requires this–WIMP interface (windows, icons, menus,

and pointer) is built around polychronicity

“Primarily touch-based”

• Post-PC devices are touch based• Helps with being “always-

available”…– No stylus, no particular configuration of

physical user space required

• Helps with being “appliance-like”…– Reduces cognitive load– Touch is easier, more basic, more human

In summary

• The attributes we learnt about are:– Always-connected– Always-available– Relationship-centric– Low cognitive-loading/appliance-like– End-to-end security/intimidation-free–Monochronistic– Primarily touch-based

Thanks for watching!

• Learn more about “Death of the PC”– http://theplatform.io/death-of-the-pc/

Watch me explain the “seven attributes” on YouTube…