I don't understand computers. I've been unable to construct a working mental model of how they do what they do. I can break software by looking at it. I can blow anything up. Without trying. It's sort of like being a dowser. And this extreme elaborate clumsiness on my part is actually something people will pay me for. It's quite wonderful.

Brenda Laurel’s quote humorously reflects her complex relationship with computers and software. She begins by admitting that she doesn’t fully understand how computers work, noting her inability to create a mental model of how they function. Despite this, she describes a unique ability to unintentionally break software or cause systems to fail simply by interacting with them. Her description of her actions as being similar to dowsing, the practice of using a tool to locate hidden objects, adds a touch of whimsy to her admission, suggesting that her interactions with technology seem almost mystical and unpredictable.

The phrase “elaborate clumsiness” refers to Laurel’s self-awareness about her unintentional ability to disrupt computers and software. She emphasizes that this unintentional disruption, while seemingly a flaw, has actually turned into a marketable skill. People are willing to pay for her ability to identify and expose vulnerabilities in technology through this “clumsiness.” This paradox—where an apparent weakness becomes a valuable asset—shows Laurel’s unique perspective on her relationship with technology and how her unorthodox approach has been turned into a form of expertise.

Laurel’s remark about how this "clumsiness" is something people will pay for also comments on the evolving nature of technology and its relationship to human users. She points out that her ability to interact with computers in a way that seems awkward or unpredictable is in fact a skill that can be leveraged in the world of software development and quality assurance. This reflects the growing recognition of the importance of user experience (UX) testing, where people with different levels of technical expertise help identify flaws and weaknesses in software.

Brenda Laurel, a pioneer in human-computer interaction and interactive media, has spent much of her career researching and developing ways for humans and computers to interact in more intuitive and meaningful ways. Her quote reflects both her humility and her deep understanding of the unpredictable nature of working with technology, showcasing her ability to find value in an unconventional approach. Her work, particularly in UX design, has been influential in making computers more accessible and user-friendly.