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

[Konstantin Kharlamov]

On Wed, 2024-12-04 at 08:56 +0100, Tobias Leupold wrote:
> 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.

I don't have any opinion on the defaults (because I have absolutely no
insight into the userbase in this case).

However, as an end-user I just wanted to note that I never understood
why single-click has been the default, and changing it to double-click
is always one of the first things I done. "single-click" is confusing,
because when I try to select a folder, it gets opened instead. I
presume, to select a single file I need to either hold Ctrl or do a
drag — both of which seems like overcomplication for a single select.
(and I do need to select "single file" more frequently than "multiple
flies", because I usually use Shift+delete to remove things past the
trash).

I also presume (correct me if I'm wrong) that single-click breaks the
rename gesture, which is done by selecting a file, and then doing
second click with delay. I didn't test, but per my understanding it
doesn't work with single-click at all, because you can't select a file.