Idiot Proof
Encyclopedia
In modern English
usage, the term "idiot proof" describes designs which inherently or by use of defensive design
principles cannot be misused. The implication is that the design is usable even by someone of low intelligence who would not use it properly. The term came into use in the late 1970s to early 1980s. A similar term is foolproof, introduced in 1902. Idiot proof is an informal term; foolproof is often used in a more formal context. Both terms are originally adjectives ("a foolproof plan"), but can be used as verbs ("foolproof this design").
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
usage, the term "idiot proof" describes designs which inherently or by use of defensive design
Defensive design
Defensive design is the practice of planning for contingencies in the design stage of a project or undertaking. Essentially, it is the practice of anticipating all possible ways that an end-user could misuse a device, and designing the device so as to make such misuse impossible, or to minimise the...
principles cannot be misused. The implication is that the design is usable even by someone of low intelligence who would not use it properly. The term came into use in the late 1970s to early 1980s. A similar term is foolproof, introduced in 1902. Idiot proof is an informal term; foolproof is often used in a more formal context. Both terms are originally adjectives ("a foolproof plan"), but can be used as verbs ("foolproof this design").
See also
- Poka-yokePoka-yoke' is a Japanese term that means "fail-safing" or "mistake-proofing". A poka-yoke is any mechanism in a lean manufacturing process that helps an equipment operator avoid mistakes . Its purpose is to eliminate product defects by preventing, correcting, or drawing attention to human errors as they...
- Murphy's lawMurphy's lawMurphy's law is an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong". - History :The perceived perversity of the universe has long been a subject of comment, and precursors to the modern version of Murphy's law are not hard to find. Recent significant...
- Hanlon's razorHanlon's razorHanlon's Razor is an eponymous adage that reads:This particular form is attributed to a Robert J. Hanlon. However, earlier utterances that convey basically the same idea are known.-Origins and similar quotations:The quotation first came from Robert J...
- Inherent safetyInherent safetyInherent safety is a concept particularly used in the chemical and process industries. An inherently safe process has a low level of danger even if things go wrong. It is used in contrast to safe systems where a high degree of hazard is controlled by protective systems...
- Unintended consequenceUnintended consequenceIn the social sciences, unintended consequences are outcomes that are not the outcomes intended by a purposeful action. The concept has long existed but was named and popularised in the 20th century by American sociologist Robert K. Merton...