This is the opposite of what the article is saying. The users weren't clicking randomly. They were clicking with a purpose, they just didn't understand the difference between their menu bars and the ones inside the image. They had a faulty mental model, not a faulty mouse.

I think you are missing my point − if you design a UX with this user type in mind you would have avoided the problem described in the article from the beginning.

The solution to robust user interfaces is not to just whack labels on images saying don’t click on this, but to step back and assume your user can’t (or won’t) read, can’t (or won’t) do anything mathematical, and also who loves to randomly click on things. Build for the worst possible user in mind and you will avoid a lot of problems.

For example, if the author had assumed that people like to randomly click on things then they could have created a pop-up that said don’t click on this, use the menu above.

Which the user then won't read?

Then on their second random click you drag their mouse to the menu for them. Keep thinking of solutions.

Having random thrashing return useful instructions (like making the button they SHOULD be clicking on glow or blink a few times) is not a bad design pattern. Reminds me of the annoying (to me) new mac wiggle-for-massive-cursor feature.

Exactly, but you really need to get into the mindset of the random clicker user type to even think of doing this.

While I prefer to frame it with a bit more empathy, essentially, yes. This is correct.

I am not suggesting that you should think that your users are like this, but that you should design with this type of user in mind. Step back, put on your dunce cap, and fix the problems with your design.

This raises a really interesting point which is the cognitive elite are responsible for designing systems with zero empathy for the rest of the population. It is much harder to design a system that anyone can use and most system designers really don’t make the effort.

The problem you bring up is very real. Who designs software and websites? People who are very good with computers. Who uses the software and websites? Mostly people who aren't good with computers.

I work in a UX role and my yardstick is whether my mom would understand it.

Great approach - assuming of course that your mother is not a developer :)

Said differently, The User Is Drunk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2CbbBLVaPk)