While I sympathize that the stakes don't appear to match up, I am talking about all software, and also taking into account the fact that these frustrations are numerous. It'd be one thing if it was taken in small pieces, small cracks in the stairs, but half of them are missing on average.
I really don't like missing stairs.
We're very removed from the usage of our software, and experience it in short-form (hopefully) actionable signals that we use to inform our development process. We don't get to appreciate the real pain in this "death by a thousand cuts" unless we can somehow switch bodies with a new user.
I see programming as a trade, however, and we do have the power to govern the quality of our software. There are, however, incentives, financial or not, that can get us to look the other way.
I don't think most programmers are removed of usage of software. I have to use Google Workspace daily and I'm not sure how Workspace team doesn't have entire GooglePlex hunting for their head. Likewise, I'm shocked that Microsoft Teams is not secluded for their own protection. I've got a laundry list for Azure Team and most of Microsoft employees I know have same list yet it remains so some outside force is driving this.
However, I think it's clear why it's this. Business team wants cheaper developers and hope is that if you put enough abstractions out, they can turn over Development to AI or monkeys with typewriters trying to create great works of Shakespeare. I remember reading Log4J exploit and wondered which Log4J developer thought it was a great idea to allow "feature" they added in the first place. Probably someone trying to prevent the monkey from destroying the typewriter.
However, it's excellent article and I await the next installment.
I really don't like missing stairs.
We're very removed from the usage of our software, and experience it in short-form (hopefully) actionable signals that we use to inform our development process. We don't get to appreciate the real pain in this "death by a thousand cuts" unless we can somehow switch bodies with a new user.
I see programming as a trade, however, and we do have the power to govern the quality of our software. There are, however, incentives, financial or not, that can get us to look the other way.