Normally I get a sense of anxiety when _starting_ Windows, but Joel on Softwareperfectly illustrates how a plethora of options to shut down Windows Vista can cause anxiety because of a Paradox of Choice .
Reducing options is a profound mantra for 37Signals as well – and it’s something I’m trying to stick with…
And even simple either/or choices can cause tremendous angst – look at the writhing agony caused by new MacBook Pro owners about whether to get a glossy or matte screen (I can’t make my mind up either!)
Conclusion? Make decisions on behalf of people – whittle down choices to the absolute bare minimum, particularly in software…it enables a tool to get out of people’s way and get on with using, not choosing…