APAD idiot proof

Idiot proof

Idiot-proof refers to the process by which human error is minimized with designs that are easy to understand. This involves finding the causes of misuse, which can improve safety. Idiot-proof design originated on the basis of safety, where the designer needed to predict, and hence prevent any possible danger of the misuse of the product, no matter how “idiotic”.  As a result, this approach has shaped many different forms of idiot-proofing that now appear in various industries, technologies, and routine tasks.

Some argue that designs cannot be idiot-proof

Idiot-proof is similar to the also known as the Japanese concept of equivalent “poka-yoke”, which refers to mistaking proofing mechanisms that were originally applied to car manufacturing systems the latter was introduced by Japanese engineer Shigeo Shingo to achieve zero defects and completely eliminate quality control inspections.

Two distinct definitions exist in the concept of idiot-proofing: mistakes and slips. When an error happens in decision making is called a mistake, but if it happens in procedure it is called a slip. Idiot-proofing is also known as “mistake-proofing” or “error-proofing” where its objective is to prevent mistakes and slips.

Several Murphy's law adages claim that idiot-proof systems cannot be made, for example "Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool" and "If you make something idiot-proof, someone will just make a better idiot." A common mistake that people make  is to underestimate that the ingenuity of human to make mistakes is infinite.