User blog comment:Zelron/The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn rumors (Imbedded deep the secrets sleep)/@comment-5012992-20121022195128/@comment-4057437-20121023022324

Lockpicking in Skyrim is not trial and error, one can feel what is going on, (at least on an Xbox). That and using a delicate touch, which is a skill, can open any pickable lock with a minimum of picks.

We do use spells to open locks in Oblivion when we don't want to risk incurring arrest. (For some reason, after a few weeks in game, the door to the Mystic Emporium in the Imperial City becomes locked 24/7. If we pick it we get arrested every time, but if we use a spell we don't.)