Re: [Nautilus-list] Preferences dialog: Suggested label change

[David Emory Watson <dwatson cs ucr edu>]

On Wed, 2002-04-03 at 13:10, Eugene O'Connor wrote:
> I'd like to respond to a couple of the suggestions in the last few
> mails:
> 
> 1. Only novice users benefit from the use of consistent terminology
> 
> I disagree. If someone doesn't understand a term first time, they can
> experiment to see what happens, or consult the glossary. But the UI and
> the documentation can build understanding and recognition of these
> terms, and the best way to achieve this is by consistent usage.
> 
> David points out that more experienced users figure things out by trying
> them out. If we use terms consistently in the UI, they won't need to do
> this as often. When the user builds up trust in a consistent UI, they
> can predict what a well-labelled option will do. Without needing to
> experiment, never mind read the manual.

Actually, I didn't mean to imply anything about experience level  What I
was trying to point out is that most users do not worry about these
distinctions (e.g. pane vs. bar or desktop vs. desktop background)
simply because they have no need to.  We do, because we're specialist.

> 2. Using standardized and consistent terminology means more words in the
> UI and documentation

Standardized terminology does not necessarily lead to "more words in the
UI and documentation"

However, consistent terminology (i.e. whether words are ambiguous or
have multiple meanings) can lead to more words.  At least it did in the
two examples given above.  Here is where I think that the specialist
might be at odds with the majority of users.

> I think the opposite is true. When we define a term, we can express a
> complex concept in a few words.
> The UI can rely on the documentation to explain the concept. The
> documentation explains the concept once and thereafter uses the term.
> 
> So, although it can be a headache I think it is well worth trying hard
> to create UI labels that are as clear, concise, and accurate as
> possible. 

I agree that it's worth it.

> Eugene
> [dismount soap box ;)]
> 
> David Emory Watson wrote:
> > 
> > I agree with you that we are going slightly off the deep end with this,
> > however, if you look at the link that Eugene posted:
> > 
> > http://developer.gnome.org/documents/style-guide/gnome-glossary-desktop.html
> > 
> > you'll see why desktop icons is a bad name (desktop currently refers
> > collectively to the panels and windows, the desktop background, etc.)
> > Since the GNOME documentation writers have no doubt relied on these
> > definitions, it makes sense for our application to be consistent with
> > our documentation.
> > 
> > But here's what I think is really going on.  We are fighting from 2
> > different perspectives:
> > 
> > 1) Writers & users who pay attention - They want consistency.
> > 
> > 2) Other users (probably the majority) - They don't read manuals
> > anyway.  They figure things out by trying them and seeing what happens.
> > For them, more words -> more reading -> more headaches.
> > 
> > It appears, and I don't think that this is news, that it very will be
> > difficult to satisfy everyone.
> > 
> > That said, I vote that we use Eugene's idea for the time being.
> > 
> > On Wed, 2002-04-03 at 07:24, Mattias Eriksson wrote:
> > > About this Desktop Background thing, I don't think we should confuse the
> > > user by using backgound for the background and stuff on it.
> > >
> > > The background is the pickture or color of the background, the icons are
> > > NOT part of the background. The are placed on the desktop and might be
> > > called desktop objects, but not desktop background objects... why not
> > > simply call them Desktop icons?
> > >
> > > //Snaggen, think people are trying too hard.
> > >
> > > ons 2002-04-03 klockan 15.02 skrev Eugene O'Connor:
> > >
> > > bla bla bla...
> > >
> > > > ----Desktop Background---------------------
> > > > |
> > > > | [v] Use Nautilus to draw the desktop background      (CHECK BOX)
> > > > |
> > > >
> > > > ----Desktop Background Objects-------------
> > > > |
> > > > | (*) Display default desktop background objects       (RADIO BUTTONS)
> > > > | ( ) Display contents of your home folder as desktop background objects
> > > > |
> > > >
> > > > I think this is more precise. Should I log this in bugzilla?
> > > >
> > > > Eugene
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > nautilus-list mailing list
> > > > nautilus-list lists eazel com
> > > > http://lists.eazel.com/mailman/listinfo/nautilus-list
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > nautilus-list mailing list
> > > nautilus-list lists eazel com
> > > http://lists.eazel.com/mailman/listinfo/nautilus-list
> > >
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nautilus-list mailing list
> nautilus-list lists eazel com
> http://lists.eazel.com/mailman/listinfo/nautilus-list
>