frictionlessness
FRIK-shun-les-nes
Definition
The state or quality of having no resistance or obstacles; in the context of technology, it refers to systems designed to be perfectly smooth, seamless, and free of effort or difficulty.
Etymology
The word is formed from the Latin 'frictio' (a rubbing) combined with the Old English suffix '-less' (without) and '-ness' (a state of being). It captures the transition of the physical concept of low resistance into the modern metaphorical ideal of seamless digital user experiences.
In the news
The article uses 'frictionlessness' to describe the deceptive marketing of tech firms that promise simplified, effort-free experiences, ultimately questioning the cost of removing emotional complexity from our lives.
Edinburgh Fringe Review: An Echo in the Void at Assembly Roxy (Upstairs)
Read the full article ↗Theatre Weekly