On Wed, 11 Jan 2006, Thorsten Wilms wrote: > Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 10:38:16 +0100 > From: Thorsten Wilms <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [Usability] Reasoning behind default panel setup? > > On Wed, Jan 11, 2006 at 12:38:08AM +0000, Alan Horkan wrote: > > > > * It would not include the workspace switcher. While multiple desktops > > > is a very useful feature, it's not something "normal" users ever use. I > > > > I agree, strongly, but I decided I did not want to argue it. > > > > Removing it from the default installation would be very difficult and > > require a lot of "discussion". Short of running a professional usability > > test with a reasonably sized test group and having hard evidence it will > > be very difficult to convince people to remove what many see a killer > > feature and key advantage we have over windows. > > > > I turn off Workspaces on principl. I get very annoyed at developer who > > cop-out claim the availabily of workspace as a valid excuse for their > > oversized overcomplicated and cluttered user interfaces which need to be > > on a workspace all their own just to keep track of what is going on. > > > I strongly oppose the removal of the workspace switcher.
Thanks Thorsten, you pretty much provided a clear example of what will happen if anyone suggests removing the workspace switcher and the arguements which will be presented. I'm not suggesting it be removed, not yet anyway because for me it is not worth arguing over. (I am very glad the terminal is not included on the panel by default anymore but there were quite a few grumbles about it being removed.) > When I got into Linux, it was the presence of a workspace switcher > that made me aware of this feature. It took a while until I actualy > started to make use of it, We have a problem here of encouraging users to discover features which could potentially improve their "user experience". You admit it took a while for you to actually make use of the feature which doesn't help your claim this is really a feature ordinary users need. > but when I did, I fell in love with it and > the number of workspaces I use regulary grew from 2, 4 to 6. The love some users have for this feature is duly noted. Perhaps we can find ways to educate users and promote this and other features, improve discoverability and encourage users to make more of their desktop. > I don't see workspaces as a pure 'poweruser' feature, but a feature > for anyone who doesn't want to get lost in one huge stack of windows. I see the huge stack of windows as poor design decisions by some applications. I'd be interested to see usability data showing if ordinary users do actually open lots of windows of if it is more of a power user thing to keep everything open. Back to the original point and the specific use case provided: some users are fortunate enough to have a dual head setup which means they have lots of real desktop space and have less interest in virtual workspaces. Two panels are bit of a waste of space on a dual head setup. It would be good if we could find a way to better address this use case. Sincerely Alan Horkan http://advogato.org/person/AlanHorkan/ _______________________________________________ Usability mailing list [email protected] http://mail.gnome.org/mailman/listinfo/usability
