Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:04:14 +0100
From: Andreas Nilsson <nisses mail home se>
Subject: Re: [Usability] Gnome usability question regarding preference
dialog
To: andy ninjagod com
Cc: usability gnome org
Message-ID: <49803BAE 6060604 home se>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Anirudh Sanjeev wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm writing an application targeted towards gnome users. I've noticed
> most of the preference windows have only a "close" button. Often, an
> accidentally changed setting cannot be reverted unless you know the
> older setting.
>
> While this seems counter intuitive for me, I just wanted to know why
> such a system is in place, as I'm sure there's a pretty good reason.
> While this paradigm saves the trouble of clicking "apply", the danger
> lurking in a preference dialog is always a little worrisome.
>
> Thanks, and have a good day,
> Anirudh
>
Hi Anirudh!
I'm not sure how a Apply-button would help you more than instant-apply
in that situation.
With instant apply:
1. Click a checkbox.
2. See the change happen.
3. Figure out that "oh, wait, I don't want that".
4. Click the checkbox again to unselect the option.
5. Close the window.
Without instant apply:
1, Click a checkbox.
2. Press the apply button.
3. See the change happen.
4. Figure out that "oh, wait, I don't want that".
5. Click the checkbox again to unselect the option.
6. Press the apply button.
7. Close the window.
I suspect it would be even more tricky using a apply button, as you can
change 4-5 things, and then press apply, without being certain what
control did what change to your system.
It would be kind of cool if ctrl+z worked in the preferences dialogs
though (without any needed change to the UI).
- Andreas
You have a valid point here regarding the instant apply - the possibility to review in time what will be affected by the changes made in the dialog.