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Subject:Re: When User Interfaces Attack From:Hannah Drake <hannah -at- formulatrix -dot- com> To:shawn -at- cohodata -dot- com Date:Wed, 12 Mar 2014 12:59:29 -0400
Well, we're about to release a revamped version of our primary software
where we went from regular menus to a ribbon-style menu. Most programs with
a lot of different commands/functionality are going that way, or already
have. In defense of the ribbon, it accomplishes three things: making
features more discoverable, providing a more visual UI, and also enabling
developers to keep adding features without making exceedingly giant menu
trees or right-click menus that keep expanding.
That said, we're expecting some lashback from users because the nature of
people is to dislike change.
On Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 12:50 PM, Shawn <shawn -at- cohodata -dot- com> wrote:
> Nice list. Thanks for sharing Craig.
>
> It is comforting to learn that I am not alone about many of these, without
> merit, changes for the sake of change.
>
> The default loss of scroll bars in OSx is one of the most infuriating ones
> for me. I don't use them very often so I have enough trouble navigating
> around a Mac... trying, in vain, to translate my knowledge of Ubuntu's and
> Windows 7 OS UI knowledge.
>
> I think it is fair that sometimes change is good but our own stubbornness
> prevents us from accepting these changes and admitting the change is an
> improvement. For instance, I absolutely detest the Windows 8 UI but others
> love it. Brian commented that any UI change after Windows 2000 was
> unnecessary but I think the Windows 7 UI was a huge improvement (uh... once
> you add in some 3rd party modifiers like http://www.classicshell.net/ to
> bring back the folder size in File Explorer). Finally, I know many may
> disagree, but the Apple iPhone has gone through a steady stream of UI
> improvements since iOS 4.
>
> Most of the time, UI 'improvements' are highly subjective.
>
>
>
> On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 8:59 AM, Cardimon, Craig <ccardimon -at- m-s-g -dot- com
> >wrote:
>
> > How many of you Whirlers have seen decent user interfaces improved into
> > failures?
> >
> >
>http://uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2014/03/if-it-isnt-broken-dont-fix-it.php
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Cordially,
> >
> > Craig Cardimon | Technical Writer
> >
>
> --
> *Shawn Connelly*
> Technical writer
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--
Hannah L. Drake
Lead Technical Documentation Specialist
Formulatrix, Inc.
781-788-0228 x137 (office)
617-610-6456 (cell)
hannah.drake.formulatrix (skype)
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