Re: [HIG] Getting recommendations back to developers

[John Fleck <jfleck inkstain net>]

On Wed, Aug 15, 2001 at 11:34:02AM -0700, Maciej Stachowiak wrote:
> On 15Aug2001 04:44PM (+0100), Calum Benson wrote:
> > 
> > I know this is a wider-than-HIG issue, but maybe it's a good place to
> > start.  How do we intend to get usability suggestions (such as fixes to
> > correct breaches of our guidelines) back to app maintainers?  Havoc's
> > RFP process was suggested as one possibility, and that may be valid for
> > larger changes.  
> > 
> 
> I think filing bug reports is a good first step. Bringing them to the
> attention of the maintainer or a sympathetic programmer who can write
> up a patch can help expedite things.
> 
> Suggestion for filing usability bug reports:
> 
> * Make the title of the bug report describe the problem, not the
> solution (For instance "There is no way to save a file using the
> keyboard" instead of "Ctrl+S should save the file").
> 
> * In the body, explain why this is a problem.
> 
> * Ideally, suggest one or more proposed solutions.
> 
> * If you are a programmer or can get one to help you, it can be even
> more persuasive to include a patch implementing one of the solutions.
> 

To emphasize what (I think) Maciej is saying here: I think bugzilla
reports are necessary but not sufficient. They're necessary because
it's the best way to track the issues, but not always sufficient,
because not all maintainers are equally attentive to bugzilla.

That means direct contact with the maintainers also may be needed,
with patches whenever possible.

Cheers,
-- 
John Fleck
jfleck inkstain net (h), http://www.inkstain.net/fleck/