Dilbert cartoon first published on Tuesday 27th December 1994

Dilbert//2082, first published 32 years ago on Tuesday 27th December 1994

Tags

computer interface hurt user new sound designs sound of puking fingernails on blackboard bird hitting window disturbing sounds visceral reactions

Official transcript

Dilbert stands behind a man with an eye patch who is working on his computer. The man says, "My theory is that a computer interface should hurt the user."

The man continues, "So I designed some new sounds into our product. We've got 'sound of puking,' 'fingernails on blackboard' and 'bird hitting window.'"

Dilbert looks ill. The man continues, "But suppose the user does something WRONG. Then we have the sound of a puking bird hitting a blackboard."

Dilbert falls down.

originally published on dilbert.com

Open source transcript

MY THEORY IS THAT A COMPUTER INTERFACE SHOULD HURT THE USER.

SO I DESIGNED SOME NEW SOUNDS INTO OUR PRODUCT. WE'VE GOT "SOUND OF PUKING," "FINGERNAILS ON BLACKBOARD" AND "BIRD HITTING WINDOW." SPLAT BUT SUPPOSE THE USER DOES SOMETHING WRONG.

THEN WE HAVE THE SOUND OF A PUKING BIRD HITTING A BLACKBOARD.

PUKe SCREECH SPLAT

collated from github.com/jvarn/dilbert-archive

AI Analysis

The comic strip is titled "My Theory is That a Computer Interface Should Hurt the User" and features a conversation between two coworkers, Dilbert and his boss.

The Conversation

• Dilbert's boss asks for his opinion on the new sounds designed for their product.
• Dilbert suggests some unusual sounds, including:
  • "Sound of Puking"
  • "Fingernails on Blackboard"
  • "Bird Hitting Window"

The Punchline

• The boss is confused by Dilbert's suggestions, but Dilbert explains that he wants the user to experience something wrong, implying that the sounds will be unpleasant or disturbing.

Humor and Commentary

• The comic strip pokes fun at the idea of designing a user interface that intentionally causes discomfort or pain.
• It also highlights the absurdity of some product design decisions.
• The humor is dry and satirical, making it relatable to anyone who has ever encountered a frustrating or poorly designed user interface.

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Accompanying textual content, such as title, tags and transcripts, is shown here if we have it. Not every comic has all of these, and they seem to be a bit hit and miss even on the official website.