I couldn't agree more. When I went from the old dos days to using a mac, the
process was not intuitive at all. If I wanted the computer to do something,
then I had to find out how to do that, it did't appear to me in a blinding
flash of intuition.
The main thing about visual codes is that they are easier for most people to
relate to, because we live and have evolved to use our visual processing
skills. The majority of the population do not have great abstract
visulisation skills. When I was teaching at UTS, I asked a range of students to
draw the geometry of a problem that was given in prose, and none of them could
visualise it let alone solve it. Now this is meant to be the crem de la crem
of our thinking school population.
The main point is that the abstract thoughts required to manipulate a computer
need to be learned, visual cues help because of the way we think. Most of the
people who talk about intuition inn computing, are generally talking from and
experienced point of view, and don't realise it.
On Thu, 08 Jun 2000, you wrote:
> Jeff:
>
> > Why do we want Linux preinstalled again? That's right... Newbies.
> >
> > I don't really see preinstallation as a necessity for user-friendly
> > computer purchases... Think about it this way:
>
> I see it quite differently.
>
> >From time to time people tell me that using Linux for naive users
> is a real barrier.
>
> I actually agree, but I go on with the opinion that most computer
> use is difficult for naive users, certainly for computers used as
> 'desktops'.
>
> Most computer users have completely forgotten the amount of training
> they went through in order to use a computer.
>
> For example, I have had to coach people on how to physically use a mouse.
> I mean, how much pressure to use holding it, clicking the button doesn't
> mean holding it down for five seconds.
>
> For more ubiquitous `direct interface' use of computers I see two
> directions, probably both happening at the same time:
>
> * devices becoming simpler, more stable, cheaper, taking less space,
> more mobile. This is what web tv tries to be, and is where the web pad
> type of device wants to head.
>
> * people becoming more trained. This is somewhat analogous to learning
> to drive a car. A lot of pain and effort for a lot of people, but great
> rewards when the technique is mastered.
>
> There is a nice book review in the current Linux Journal,
> http://www2.linuxjournal.com/lj-issues/issue74/3959.html
> with this quote from James Paul Holloway (apologies for it's length but
> it is what I've always thought):
>
> "But mainstream GUIs are not based on analogies
> (let alone metaphors); they are based on visual codes. I work with
> several hundred new and experienced computers users every year and I
> see no evidence that any of them consider the things on their computer
> screens as analogies for anything. They must be taught the visual code
> of the GUI, and until they have learned it, those little symbols on
> the screen do not suggest any function. Once they learn the code, the
> icons acquire meaning. These interfaces are simply learned, and the
> significant revolution in their design was not by analogy, but through
> the standardization of the visual code."
>
> Just so! The GUI desktop is NOT intuitive it is learnt!
>
> The key to productive use of computers is training, whether formal
> or self-motivated.
>
> For training to be effective and satisfying, understanding the
> underlying principles is important. One reason that Linux / Unix is
> so satisfying is that there is largely a set of underlying principles.
>
> At a certain point, you are sharing the mind of the creator. From that
> point there is no going back.
>
> (Corrollary: how does it feel sharing Bill Gates' mind?)
>
> Jamie
>
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