Re: file dialogs as example

[Alan Shutko <ats acm org>]

"Michael T. Babcock" <mbabcock@fibrespeed.net> writes:

> Quick note:  some systems have been entirely redesigned around the concept
> of not having open and save-as dialogs at all, but entirely using
> drag'n'drop.  This is mouse-centric, but often becomes a very fast and
> useful paradigm.

The problem with drag and drop is that it assumes you can see both the
source and destination.  On my busy desktops, I usually have to do
serious maneuvering to use drag and drop when I'm in an app.  

This kind of setup induces more mental context switches because you
decide to save, then have to leave the app to drill through file
manager windows to find the destination directory, arrange windows so
you can see both, and then you can save-as.  Ick!

It would be a lot better, actually, if we had the MacOS 8 type of
drilling, where if you held a drop item over a directory, the
directory would open up in that window, and you could drill to your
destination.

> Incidentally, if I use Windows, I create new files using the
> Context->New->Word File (or whatever)

I've never used that, since I find it fairly awkward to navigate that
menu after umpteen billion things have populated it, but maybe it
would get easier with practice.

-- 
Alan Shutko <ats@acm.org> - In a variety of flavors!
88 days, 29 minutes, 21 seconds till we run away.
I've only got 12 cards.