Alan Kay on "Should web browsers have stuck to being document viewers?"

4 hours ago

Alan Kay argues that web browsers settled for overly simple text formats and formatting, starting the web media architecture in the wrong direction.
He expected Netscape to create a better architecture resembling an operating system rather than just an app, to handle internet demands and scalability.
Kay recommended using Apple's HyperCard as a model for the web's user experience, emphasizing scripted, WYSIWYG, and symmetric authoring.
He advocated for browsers to function as operating systems, safely running encapsulated systems from the web to allow open-ended content.
Unix principles of minimal kernels managing time, space, and encapsulation influenced his vision, with everything else being replaceable processes.
Kay praised projects like NeWS, HyperLook, and PostScript for innovative approaches but noted missed opportunities for end-user languages.
He criticized the web's evolution as a poorly designed OS-like system, leading to lock-in and limited functionality compared to earlier concepts.
Kay highlighted the importance of Licklider's vision of computing as interactive intellectual amplifiers, requiring all media types and user authoring.
The discussion included historical examples like JAM evolving into PostScript, emphasizing sending programs over data structures for flexibility.
Debates on SimCity's educational value touched on the 'Simulator Effect,' where players overestimate simulation complexity, and constructionist learning approaches.

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