Comparing user interfaces

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From: info-mac@uw-beaver (info-mac)
Newsgroups: fa.info-mac
Subject: Comparing user interfaces
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Date: Fri, 31-Aug-84 17:50:44 EDT
Article-I.D.: uw-beave.1615
Posted: Fri Aug 31 17:50:44 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 1-Sep-84 14:39:40 EDT
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Organization: U of Washington Computer Science
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From: Richard Furuta
An instructive exercise for anyone who finds MacPaint's user interface
attractive would be to take a look at the color paint program for the
IBM PC Jr. "Why it looks just like MacPaint," you'll find yourself
commenting as you first look at it. However, after playing with it
for a few minutes, you'll realize that it really doesn't feel that
good. (Admittedly, I only played with it for a few minutes so maybe
it gets better once you get used to it.) Using this system proves,
once again, how much effect seemingly small things can have on a user
interface (i.e., the PC Jr.'s cursor tracks the mouse sluggishly; the
assignment of uses for the buttons on the mouse, a two button one on
the PC Jr., seems awkward; the way certain parts of the picture
disappear when you move into the menu area makes a difference; the
lack of positive visual feedback when a button is selected is
noticable).

--Rick
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