Frank Ludolph wrote: > > Alan DuBoff wrote: >> This is one of the things I hate about the current install. Why it can't ask >> all the questions it does in a single dialog that scrolls down so I can edit >> all of them on one page, I don't know. > There are several reasons: > > * Some questions are dependent on earlier responses; it is less > confusing to hide the dependent questions rather than disable them > as would be necessary in a single scrolling page. > * To set the context of the questions, i.e., page per context with > possible explanatory text. > * Sometimes background processing that occurs after a specific > response - hitting the next button says that the installer can > proceed without confusing the user. > * Scrolling would not meet user expectations; no installer I am > aware of places all inputs on a single scrollable page.
You know, violating expectations here wouldn't be a bad thing, I don't think, in particular if the page were well designed and the less used/needed options were below the fold, or perhaps if we had other more creative solutions. Key point being that I really don't think that we should necessarily feel compelled to do only what other installers do, even if that violates expectations. E.g., I bet that an argument could be made that the iPod violated expectations by having a wheel-ish device and no buttons, but through good design, it worked. Setting our goal as "meeting expectations" is certainly a step in the right direction, but we could set our sights higher, I think. There are lots of smart, clever, creative folks out here--I'd think that we can figure out how to violate expectations appropriately and effectively. Eric -- Eric J. Ray Software Engineering Manager Solaris Install Sun Microsystems 303-223-7843 (direct)/x81067 eric.ray at sun.com
