Since installing Mac OSX Mavericks yesterday, my computer has crashed more than once per hour - three times while writing this post, clearly trying to keep me from tattling. The problem probably lies in a faulty video card aggravated by a modern, flashy OS, rather than Mavericks itself.

Regardless, the experience has helped me solidify a key criteria that good technology must meet: A good technology should eliminate, rather than add, barriers standing in the way of spending time on important things.

Important things can be anything from spending time with loved ones to building an awesome new thing. I need to check that the sensors are working so that I can measure the position of an air cart so that I can create a feedback loop in order to actually test my ideas about implementing an eddy current actuators. What I actually want to do is three layers deep. And I'm one of the lucky ones.

Less-than-useful technologies like a crashing computer or apps with more bells and whistles than you can count add layers. Good technologies, like cars, telephones and indoor plumbing remove them. Unfortunately, I think a lot of new, cute, apps fall into the latter category because inventors and entrepreneurs don't keep the distinction in mind.