Can Software Be as Aesthetic as Cars?

Question

I was talking with my friend once about the difference between cars and computers (specifically ricing), in that people tend to have a natural awe of "good looking" cars, even going beyond the actual specs of the engine, brakes, aero, etc. Youc an see this in articles like https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2004/nov/13/motoring.automotive.However, we don't see this same reaction to software. As engineers we appreciate software that's well designed, but it doesn't seem to invoke the same primal feeling as cars.What are your thoughts on this? Is it possible for software to have the same effect on people as cars?

t-3 · Accepted Answer

Software doesn't really have an "outward presentation" in the same way as vehicles, all we ever see as users is the dash with knobs and wheel, or whatever part of the underlying system we're working on. Constant UI changes in an attempt to dazzle users are the equivalent of putting in bigass tablets that blind and distract and are impossible to use safely while doing away with tactile switches. Software innovation should happen "under the hood" while keeping user interface defaults as conservative as possible, otherwise you're just inconveniencing users.

WalterGR · Answer

"What is art?"