Re: Greatest Common Factor [Was: GNOME Nirvana]

["David Adam Bordoley" <bordoley msu edu>]

From: Luis Villa <louie ximian com>
> On Wed, 2003-07-09 at 10:18, Jeff Waugh wrote:
> > <quote who="Luis Villa"> 
> >
> > > 'greatest common factor' is supposed to be a sound-bite sized way of
> > > describing 'what we are aiming at.' But I for one couldn't tell you
> > > exactly what it means, and it seems clear from this thread that others
> > > can't tell you or are confused as well.
> > > 
> > > Basically, if the goal of 'what should be in the desktop' can't be
> > > explained in one simple sentence, it probably (though not definitely)
> > > needs re-thinking. I don't think GCF can stand on that- each of those
> > > three words needs a sentence on it's own, as far I can see :) If I'm wrong
> > > about that, please let me know; I do want /some/ simple goal and standard
> > > that I can easily explain to everyone. 
> >
> > Yes, it is a shorthand way of describing the point. There has to be further
> > explanation, that's only natural. Read your own GEP 10, and my modules
> > analysis page for more about what GCF means. Perhaps the concept needs its
> > own page,
>
> If it is so complex it needs it's own page, I fear that we're doing
> something very wrong. 

Instead of using a lofty goal such as greatest common factor, maybe its 
better to describe this goal in terms of personas we target. I believe calum 
had a set of possible persona's for gnome. When considering a new app or 
module we can ask some basic questions. Is it likely that this app will 
benefit our desktop personas in a meaningful way. Will the inclusion of this 
app negatively affect the experience of these users. etc. 

dave