Blake <blake at kingdomrpg.com> wrote:
> If you're dealing with kids who have used computers before,  
> clicking-and-dragging in a circular motion--well, first of all, it's a  
> relatively difficult motion. It's an unfamiliar motion. And it's not an  
> enjoyable motion.

By the way, you don't have to do a circular motion.  Up/down and
left/right also work fine.


> Then there are the ten icons surrounding the morphic, which is rather a  
> lot.

Somewhat agreed.  It must be shocking to see them come up the first
time, but then after that, is it really a big deal?

Keep in mind that Squeak is usually introduced to kids while an adult is
around to guide them.  The halo is probably terrible for people learning
Squeak *alone*, because there is so much in it.  I doubt it is a big
deal for people learning with a helper at hand, though, because the
helper can guide them through the initial steps.

Anyway, real UI questions have to be answered by trying in front of
people in a realistic setting.  We could shoot in the dark all day.  :|

In practice, drive-a-car is eminently learnable.  Squeak Central has a
ton of experience at this point (I bet a few have drive-a-car dreams and
nightmares at this point :)), and I've tried it a few times myself with
near-universal success.  (The exceptions have been grown up computer
guys; the 4-6 kids I've shown all got it to work and really liked it.)

I recommend people try it if you get a chance.  Find a kid or a kid-like
adult, and show them how to recreate drive-a-car.  Just mimic Alan from
one of his OOPSLA talks.  Insist that the kid [sic] begins by drawing
their own car (or other vehicle), because it sets the stage very nicely.
 And then enjoy the show.  Most likely your kid will have a blast.  They
love finally being in control of their own computer!


-Lex