Re: [Evolution] CHI'96 paper on mail usability and some thoughts

[jm jmason org (Justin Mason)]

Miguel de Icaza said:

> > coloring might be kinda neat, if not done with colors perhaps in a
> > different way (it's the idea that I liked more than the colors)
>
> ETable/VFolder will offer a powerful tool for users, as it can do a
> number of tricks [...]

Yes, while I was writing it I was thinking that the ETable stuff looks
pretty powerful for this kind of setup.  Essentially, I wanted to make
sure these kind of possible goals should be on the radar anyway -- so that
e.g. colorisation would be possible with ETable, and the other goals are
doable with vFolders.

> But to make this effective, two problems must be solved:
>       1. The use of these features should not be a hidden feature,
>            or an advanced setting.  It should be presented to the user
>            visibly.
>       2. Users should start using the feature the sooner the
>            better.  How can we insinuate this to users?

Even if the vFolders were not easy to use straight away, a good way to do
it would be if a set of predefined preferences/filters/vfolder setups are
included -- kind of like a set of vFolder "themes".

Advanced users could customise these; beginners would find them quite soon
(ie. as soon as they hit the preferences dialog at least).

BTW here's another thought -- it would then be nice if there was a way to
swap vFolder settings -- so e.g. I could mail a vFolder specification to
my team-mates as an attachment.  (although however I could see some
possible security issues with this.)

I also like the idea of leading the users quickly to a vFolder setup mode,
by providing "Always Tag Messages From..." menu items or similar.

--j.