Re: Don't overlook Simplicity.

[Tim Allen <timallen godzilla zeta org au>]

> > Let's make Gnome easy to use, but not at the expense of power and efficiency.
> 
> I see no reason why we can't have both. In fact I would demand both from
> any software I purchase.

Power and efficiency is easy - look at emacs and vi.

Easy to use is easy - look at some of the more user-obsequious Wizards.

Combining the two is the hard part. Since GNOME is a *graphical* user
interface, it will probably tend to one or the other. Remember, the cool
advances in user interface are designed with the ergonomics of *humans* in
mind, not just of newbies, or just of hackers. Good design helps
*everyone* be more efficient. I think the Mac UI guide says something like
"make everything visible, but give keyboard shortcuts for those who want
to learn them". And I swear - a Mac-lovin' friend of mine took me to a Mac
store to show me some stuff, and I saw one of the sales people using their
computer. Yes, it was a Mac, no, there was no command line, but his
fingers never went near the mouse. 

Obligatory Snide Anti-Microsoft Remark: Word97 is an example of combining
easy-to-use with formidable power and efficiency. Some of the features are
powerful, the rest are easy to use. :)


Tim Allen