Humans don't fundamentally change. Our cognitive capacities, our desire for efficiency, our frustration with complexity - these are constants. And software that respects these human constants wins.

Ease of use isn't just about making things pretty. It's about reducing friction between the user's intent and the software's execution. It's about making technology disappear.

The best software feels invisible. You don't think about using it; you just do. This is the holy grail of ease of use, and it's as relevant today as it was in the early days of computing.

But achieving this isn't easy. It requires a deep understanding of your users. Not just their stated needs, but their unstated frustrations. Watch them. Learn from their struggles. Then build something that feels like an extension of their will.

Simplicity is the path to ease of use. But beware: simplicity is hard. It's easy to add features; it's hard to decide what to leave out. The best developers are as proud of the features they omit as those they include.

Consistency is crucial. Every inconsistency in your interface is a tiny cognitive tax on your user. Over time, these add up. They create mental fatigue. They make your software feel harder to use than it actually is.

Accessibility isn't optional. It's not just about serving users with disabilities (though that's important). It's about recognizing that all users are "disabled" in some context. Maybe they're using your app one-handed while holding a baby. Maybe they're in bright sunlight. Design for these edge cases, and you'll build better software for everyone.

The payoff for prioritizing ease of use is enormous. Users stick around. They recommend your product. Support costs drop. In a world of endless options, software that's easy to use becomes the default choice.

This is why ease of use will always be a competitive advantage. As technology grows more complex, the ability to make it feel simple becomes increasingly valuable. Master this, and you'll build products that endure.

Remember: In software, as in writing, clarity is everything. The same principle applies to your user interface. Make it clear. Make it easy. That's how you build software that stands the test of time.