---
title: Nontraditional Computing
tags:
  - status/not-started
  - type/encyclopedia-entry
---
# Nontraditional Computing

**Nontraditional computing** refers to UX patterns
unlike those originally pioneered by Xerox and IBM,
and cemented by Apple and Microsoft.

Desktops, hierarchical filesystems,
obligatory mouse and keyboard

Perhaps more accurate is **nontraditional _business_ computing**,
since the real innovation is making mobile device patterns practical.

Designers frequently malign traditional computing,
stating accurately that it was a compromise
for restrictions that we no longer face,
but there is very little movement
on practical implementation of nontraditional patterns.
[Ink & Switch](https://www.inkandswitch.com/)
is at the forefront as I understand it,
however they have as much effort or more
invested in traditional systems.

[Liber Indigo](https://www.justinckirkwood.net/liber-indigo)
is mostly woo-woo, but has some fun things to say about NTC.