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

[Kiran Jonnalagadda <jace lunateks com>]

Miguel de Icaza wrote:

> 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?
>
> An obscure to use feature is just like a feature that is not present
> for most cases.

I find the "don't show me this message again" dialogs useful for
discovering new features.

Evolution could perhaps have a tip box that tells you about
related features. I know this is getting into paperclip
territory, but this is the best I can think of for helping users
discover features.

Another: After the user has accepted a helper tip, Evolution
could inform him of where the feature is located if he wants to
use it again. This way, if I tell Evolution to stop giving me
tips, I can at least easily relocate "that hot feature it
directed me to".

That includes being told where to go to turn on tips again when I
choose to turn them off.

-- 

Kiran Jonnalagadda
http://lunateks.com

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