Re: 2.6 proposed module: dasher

[David Bolter <david bolter utoronto ca>]

Hi Matthew, everyone,

Matthew Garrett wrote:
> On Mon, Jan 12, 2004 at 09:22:35PM -0800, Peter Korn wrote:
[snip]
> > Dasher as a text entry replacement is tremendous.  But until Dasher is able 
> > to provide a complete alternate navigation system of a desktop for a user, 
> > how can the Dasher user be independent?  Should Dasher be a companaion 
> > application to GOK?  Is there interest in making Dasher a desktop-wide 
> > assistive technology?
>
>
> Dasher in its current form allows users to start and manipulate the 
> majority of applications to some degree of functionality. At present, 
> however, it does also require the ability to focus the desired window or 
> text entry area. This is (a-ha ha ha) just a small matter of coding. 
> Apart from that, I don't think that as of now Dasher users would be 
> significantly handicapped compared to, say, GOK users.
>
> I think it's a worthwhile inclusion in 2.6, since it demonstrably does 
> increase the range of users we can support. By the 2.8 timeframe that 
> range could be increased further, but I think this is equally true 
> regardless of whether it's included now or not.

I have used Dasher and have seen it used by two experts and have  been 
impressed. I think it is a novel and interesting alternative input 
mechanism. With a wide audience it can continue to evolve and grow (as 
can GOK). There is a great potential for unexpected "curb cut" uses 
which can be better discovered with a wide audience.

One thing that has concerned many of us with the assistive technology 
software, is what reaction the unintended audience will have, and how to 
better prepare John Smith for what to expect from such an application. 
Having said that, I think Dasher is probably okay in this respect but we 
need to ask ourselves if it is being included as an integral gnome tool, 
or if it is been included as a stand-alone-ish experimental-ish text 
entry tool. And whatever we decide we need to let the user know what to 
expect.

I'd like to see it in.

(Sometimes I wonder if the Gnome Applications Menu (as distributed) 
should have an Experimental, or Introducing, submenu where we can with 
clear conscience put novel and exciting, but young applications.)

cheers,

D