[UI] Squeak UI/Usability Design

[Bill Schwab]

Just an observation: "complete list of functionality (World Menu, Open
Menu, Appearance Menu, Windows & Flaps Menu, Browsers ...)" - you are
assuming the status quo.

I urge you to look at the amazing work Gary is doing as a gift.  He's
willing to theme it, and is doing some of the best work I have seen in
Squeak for several years.  We should encourage/help him to the extent
possible, and the gin up a zero-impact theme for those who can't stomach
something different that the current look and feel.  Since that changes
with every release, I don't quite grok the resistance to change, but
maybe that's just me.

Bill




Wilhelm K. Schwab, Ph.D.
University of Florida
Department of Anesthesiology
PO Box 100254
Gainesville, FL 32610-0254

Email: bschwab at anest.ufl.edu
Tel: (352) 846-1285
FAX: (352) 392-7029

>>> geert.wl.claes at gmail.com 09/19/07 8:52 PM >>>
I agree with previous posts that Squeak does not need to mimic Windows
or
even Mac as their look and feel.

However, instead of starting with ideas on how to improve the UI
technically, I reckon the first thing the UI group needs to come up with
is
a complete list of functionality (World Menu, Open Menu, Appearance
Menu,
Windows & Flaps Menu, Browsers ...) which somehow will need to be
accessed
by the user. This should then be the sole input for a proper usability
design irrespective of OS. The result of this usability design will be
some
basic interface mock-ups defining how a user will be able to access a
certain functionality. Graphic designers can then come up with colour
schemes and icons to make to whole thing appealing to the eye.