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From: roseman@cpsc.ucalgary.ca (Mark Roseman)
Newsgroups: comp.human-factors
Subject: modes in object-oriented graphics packages
Message-ID: <1991Jun24.172022.15695@cpsc.ucalgary.ca>
Date: 24 Jun 91 17:20:22 GMT
Organization: U. of Calgary Computer Science
Lines: 23

We're looking at ways to limit the hassle of switching modes in object-based
drawing packages such as MacDraw.  The constant hassle, in particular
between drawing a line and grabbing that line (i.e. the switch between 
the arrow tool and the line tool) is getting to be a real pain.  Less of
a pain, though still ugly is choosing different drawing tools (line,
rectangle) from a pallette.

In an application we want to support fluidity of drawing, we need some
solutions to this.  Pop-up menus rather than pallettes seem to make sense
at least for changing between different tools.  

However, it seems a better solution should exist for choosing between
drawing (with whatever tool) and selecting an object.  With a multi-button
mouse this is less of a problem than on a Mac I suppose.  We're considering
the use of special keys (option or whatever).

Are there any alternatives out there?  Has anyone done anything in this
direction?
-- 
==============================================================================
Mark Roseman
Dept. of Computer Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.  T2N 1N4
(403) 220-5769   roseman@cpsc.ucalgary.ca    {ubc-cs|alberta}!calgary!roseman