::scr Drooling GUI

[celia romaniuk]

On Thu, 7 Mar 2002, Simon Wistow wrote:

> I don't think that's possible anymore because nobody wants to reboot
> everytime they want to switch tasks (and let's face it, how many times
> to you stay in Photoshop all day, even just to read your email).
> 
> The alternative would be niche OSs - a designer's OS, a programmers'
> OS, a Secretary's OS - but that would never work as it's just too
> expensive. 

Not only that, but people's activities vary as well. For example, today I
have open communication apps (IRC, mail), a web browser, and a word
processor. All pretty standard ("universal" internet user role). But if I
had Project, I'd need that open too (so that's a project manager role).
Later I'll need Illustrator (designer role). Then I might open a text
editor (developer role). 

It's why I disagree with the people on a previous project (for pogo -
http://www.pogo-tech.com) who wanted to have modes for 'at home', 'at
work' and 'on the move'. These terms are seductive for marketing purposes,
but who says that these are rigid boundaries? They're just not. I
generally need the same functions at home as I do at work. And yes, my
needs will be a bit different if I'm travelling around, but google, imdb
and mail should sort those things.

The point is that systems need to be as flexible as people's use of them
is flexible.

See also first principle of autonomy:

"The computer, the interface, and the task environment all "belong" to the
user, but user-autonomy doesnt mean we abandon rules.

"Give users some breathing room. Users learn quickly and gain a fast sense
of mastery when they are placed "in charge." Paradoxically, however,
people do not feel free in the absence of all boundaries (Yallum, 1980). A
little child will cry equally when held too tight or left to wander in a
large and empty warehouse. Adults, too, feel most comfortable in an
environment that is neither confining nor infinite, an environment
explorable, but not hazardous."

http://asktog.com/basics/firstPrinciples.html#autonomy

Celia