Xref: utzoo comp.sys.mac.misc:10251 comp.windows.ms:10910 Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc,comp.windows.ms Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!sunee!gpsteffl From: gpsteffl@sunee.waterloo.edu (Glenn Patrick Steffler) Subject: Re: give me solid facts: Windows/Mac Message-ID: <1991Mar28.200030.7492@sunee.waterloo.edu> Organization: Gold Disk Inc. References: <1991Mar27.033317.23763@cs.uoregon.edu> <91086.010558CXT105@psuvm.psu.edu> Date: Thu, 28 Mar 1991 20:00:30 GMT Lines: 47 In article <91086.010558CXT105@psuvm.psu.edu> CXT105@psuvm.psu.edu (Christopher Tate) writes: >I have it on apparently reputable word (from William Woody et alia) >that the user interface guidelines for Windows are not as rigorously >defined as those for the Mac; they seem more a set of suggestions >than the N Commandments. Some time ago, Apple realized that "drift" Horse pucky! The CUA (common user access) guidelines set by IBM/Microsoft/et all have a large amount of rules and pointers that *should* be followed. If some developer decides not to use the interaction models and styles or if the program has a substantially different interface than any other, it will be left to market forces as to whether the application succeeds. The development effort here at Gold Disk follows the CUA spec rigidly, while providing some inovative adaptations to the common Windows look and feel. The layout of menus is strictly adhered to by most profession applications simply because it only makes sense to use a consistent interface. Again market forces, and software reviews generally take care of the bonehead apps that don't. From personal experience, I *know* that Apple takes a non-spectator approach to interface layout, functionality. Several of our Macintosh developers and managers have been to the Apple proving grounds to make sure our *soon to be released* Animation package met with all --(please ignore that blatent ad)-- rules/regulations etc. No such trial is needed for Windows and Microsoft because they assume that we are a professional development house which knows it's in our best interest to provide a consistent interface. Who's to say we won't? What's to say others haven't? Just throwing branches on the fire. Leave it to me to open my big mouth. Anyway, have fun; live with your indiscretions, and eat well. >Christopher Tate | etaT rehpotsirhC >Bitnet: cxt105@psuvm | mvusp@501txc :tentiB >Uucp: ...!psuvax1!psuvm.bitnet!cxt105 | 501txc!tentib.mvusp!1xavusp!... :pcuU >Internet: cxt105@psuvm.psu.edu | ude.usp.mvusp@501txc :tenretnI Yikes! Am I seeing double, or is this stupid terminal in 40 column inverse mirror text mode with interlocking separations? Hmmm. -- Co-Op Scum "Bo doesn't know software" - George Brett "The galaxial hearth steams the sea as the sky blood red embrasses darkness" -John Constantine (HellBlazer) Glenn Steffler