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From: anson@spray.CalComp.COM (Ed Anson)
Newsgroups: comp.windows.misc,comp.sys.next,comp.sys.mac,comp.cog-eng
Subject: Re: replacing the desktop metaphor (Why any metaphor?)
Message-ID: <2554@spray.CalComp.COM>
Date: 3 Jan 89 15:26:03 GMT
References: <850@mtfmi.att.com> <673@cogsci.ucsd.EDU> <1489@umbc3.UMD.EDU> <22616@pbhya.PacBell.COM> <66401@ti-csl.CSNET> <4510@xenna.Encore.COM>
Reply-To: anson@spray.UUCP (Ed Anson)
Organization: CalComp, A Lockheed Company, Hudson, NH, USA
Lines: 47

In article <4510@xenna.Encore.COM> bzs@Encore.COM (Barry Shein) writes:
>
> Or is taking a little time to learn how to use a tool a
>dirty word?
>
>There seems to be a fascination in this field with catering to some
>mythical person with a two-digit IQ, total fear of computers, and not
>enough technical sense to operate a push-button phone.

For the record: I have a three-digit IQ, I love computers, and I routinely
operate a push-button phone. And I insist that my computer use a consistent
metaphor.

Yes, I have spent a considerable amount of time learning to use my Mac as
a tool. I routinely use a dozen or so applications, switching between them
frequently. I also use an uncounted number of other applications from time
to time. Frankly, I couldn't be bothered to learn (and try to remember)
a dozen or more arcane and inconsistent command languages. I use my Mac as a
tool, not as a means to demonstrate irrelevant feats of memory. I spend my
energy learning the craft of using each application, not the mechanics of
"power" features.

I do remember a few of the most-used command key equivalents on some of
the applications I use. But I use the menus for about 90% of the operations
I perform (about 10% of the time). This is mostly because use of command
key equivalents tend to be inconsistent between applications (shame on the
developers), and I don't want to even try to remember who did what how.

It is the metaphor (desktop, or whatever) supported by a computer which helps
to make applications consistent. It is that consistency which makes it
useful for a regular user to learn a large number of applications, or for
a casual user to learn any applications at all. Yes, anybody with a moderate
intelligence can learn to use ANY one application (or two). And yes, any
major application should include "power" features for those who care to
master them. Most do. But a metaphor is still essential to integrating the
computer as a whole into our lives.

By the way, I happen to think it's about time we find a stronger metaphor.
Most of the things we do on the Mac now don't relate all that well to the
desktop metaphor. We need something that can be developed more consistently
throughout all applications. (Sorry. I don't have any suggestions just now.)

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed above are my own. Don't blame anyone else.
-- 
=====================================================================
   Ed Anson,    Calcomp Display Products Division,    Hudson NH 03051
   (603) 885-8712,      anson@elrond.CalComp.COM