KMenu @ aKademy

[David Johnson]

On Friday 12 August 2005 08:00 am, seele at obso1337.org wrote:

> - User's needs and wants
>   * Easy access to frequently used applications and documents
>   * Protection from information overload
>   * Easily maintained, protection from getting too big and out
>     of control
>   * A way to explore and learn, but not be overwhelmed
>   * Something that adapts to their habits and usage patterns

You missed one. It isn't surprising though, since many WinXP users don't 
even know it exists. But that doesn't mean it isn't important:

* Items and locations that remain fixed

To many people, myself included, menus that constantly change are very 
annoying. Moving items about or hiding them is not necessarily a good 
thing, even if Bill Gates says otherwise. My eyes and mousing hand 
"learn" where the items are, so when they move or disappear, it slows 
me down considerably.

In the rush to implement pervasive adaptability, pause to remember that 
the one of the biggest factors in usability is "familiarity". Can you 
imagine trying to get to work every morning when each night the road 
crews come out and move all the streets around?

-- 
David Johnson
___________________
http://www.usermode.org