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Example of feedback that's not helpful

One of the biggest barriers for people who would like to teach online is the complexity of the hardware and software they need to deal with to do things like upload files, record audio or install software. Software companies should know by know that creating error messages in language that people can understand is more helpful than using cryptic, information technology-speak.

Here's the feedback I got after trying to run the Adobe Bridge 6.5 update:




What does "Another instance of deployment is already running" mean? That I've already updated the software? I haven't. That the application is running and needs to be quit before I can run the update? Definitely not running.

When terms like "deployment" and "payloads" (the files that are supposed to be installed as part of the update) are used, I think of the military, not updating software. I'm sure Adobe can do a better job than this of making their error messages understandable and their software more usable.
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