Re: "Why would an always displayed list be better than a popup list?"

["Norman Black" <stonybrk ix netcom com>]

From: "Darin Adler" <darin bentspoon com>
> > Why would an always displayed list be better than a popup list.
>
> User testing we did at Apple in the late 80s showed that people had a
much
> easier time choosing from options that were all displayed at once. So,
for
> example, we found that popup menus were more compact and more elegant
to our
> eyes, but radio buttons were easier to use.

Fine argument for radio buttons. Radio buttons always show the user all
available options and a popup selection does not. I would have to say
that I also would prefer radio buttons. What about list verses popup
list.

In lists we show an X item view into an N item list. A limited display
of the available options is the normal case.
Therefore assuming the user knows about the GUI UI elements (lists,
combos), why would an always displayed list be better than a popup list.
One can argue that popup selection lists (listbox or menu) should not
exist and this is fine. One can also argue that having two kinds of list
display (normal, combo) is more than users should have to handle.

For options that are rarely used by the user, a combo is an good option
since it clutters up the display less. IMO

Best Regards,
Norman Black
Stony Brook Software