Feedback on KDE Plasma 6 Default Settings: A Call for Reflection

[Tobias Leupold]

Am 04.12.24 um 02:50 schrieb Justin Zobel:
> On 4/12/24 01:52, Lucy wrote:
>> Dear KDE Team,
>>
>> As a long-time user and supporter of KDE, I am writing to express my 
>> concern regarding the recent decision to set double-click as the 
>> default interaction for opening files and folders in KDE Plasma 6. 
>> While I understand the intention of aligning KDE with what may be 
>> perceived as mainstream user expectations, this decision seems at odds 
>> with the core principles that have always defined KDE: freedom, 
>> configurability, and serving the unique needs of its loyal community.
>>
>> Linux users have chosen this platform not because it mimics other 
>> operating systems, but precisely because it offers an environment that 
>> prioritizes user choice and individuality. Setting double-click as the 
>> default behavior may cater to users transitioning from Windows or 
>> macOS, but it disregards the preferences of KDE’s long-established 
>> user base, many of whom have embraced single-click as a hallmark of 
>> KDE’s innovative user experience.
>>
>> This change, though seemingly minor, sends an unfortunate message: 
>> that KDE may be prioritizing conformity over its long-standing 
>> tradition of empowering users to shape their environment as they see 
>> fit. Instead of adopting defaults that resemble other platforms, KDE 
>> should continue to showcase its unique strengths—flexibility, 
>> customization, and a commitment to open innovation.
>>
>> I urge the KDE team to reconsider this default setting and engage with 
>> the community on how such changes impact the user experience. By 
>> preserving the spirit of user-centric design, KDE will not only retain 
>> its dedicated supporters but also stand as a beacon of choice in the 
>> increasingly homogenized world of technology.
>>
>> Thank you for your attention, and I hope this feedback helps guide 
>> future decisions.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Lucy. S & Linux Community
>>
> Hi Lucy,
> 
> As you've mentioned this is only a default settings. KDE users are still 
> empowered to make their own choices in the Settings. This settings is 
> even considered important enough to be on the Quick Settings page which 
> is the first to appear.
> 
> Justin
> 

Hi all,

it's nice to see this appearing on the settings front page! I must admit
it's quite some time since I checked that, I used single-click mode
since ever, and it has been a long time since I set up a new machine
without taking ~ with me ...

But I still fully agree with Lucy's reasoning and I also think we should
have "our" single-click mode set as the default. Especially when it's so
easy to change.

My experience with "real" end-users (do we have any though?!) is that
defaults are not changed. People accept what they are being served. And
I fully agree that the one-click mode is an outstandig feature of our
desktop, that makes a big difference to Windows or macOS. We should push
this and present us a bit more confident here.

Cheers, Tobias