Hello Mike:
Ok this may not be electronics industry used term, but it’s used around me.
Button Olgy: (My definition)
Button Olgy, the ease or difficulty in operating something with buttons, switches, dials, lights, bells buzzers, levers, and such.
Button Olgy Friendly (BOF) a device that easy to operate, its designed layout and operation is easy to operate, and can be done without reading the manual for the most part.
Button Olgy Hostel (BOH) a device that warrants a bullet in its display and processor. A device that may have too many Menu Driven options, and needs way more key strokes and button actuations and thinking to do the simplest of functions. The device has less switches and controls as to save money from the manufacture at the expense of the user or customer who may nail it to the wall of shame.
BOH devices usually have a thick vague instruction manuals, obviously translated from another language, from someone who has never used the product.
I have had a few ham radios that have been feed to Mr. Bandsaw, and Mr, Drill press for the common good, as to relieve the frustration of use to anyone else.
If state of the art new computers, airplanes, spacecraft, new cars, and such can be manufactured then certainly BOF devices can be made.
BOH devices are manufactured to save manufacturing costs, some bean counter has competed form #1234567890 and submitted it to another not needed overhead type that has made a decision to cut costs. When these over inflated over paid, unnecessary types, can be replaced with just a few old ham radio guys who can review the product and give real world hands on market feedback.
Thats why I love to use my old Tram D201A, its user friendly to operate, (BOF) and it doesn't ask me if I really want to do something. And you can hear your voice rattling around in the radio when you transmit. Hope this helps.
Jay in the Mojave
Jay,
You've piqued my curiosity. What the hell is button olgy ?
Mike