Re: [Usability]Question on Multiple Document Interfaces

[<bordoley msu edu>]

Couple of comments:

1. I agree with Bart that the HIG should specify why Multiple Document 
Interfaces are bad. Using vague language like "inherent usability problems" 
does little to encourage developers of several key gnome apps from using this 
type of interface (galeon, terminal, gedit). Perhaps if the HIG better 
specified why both GNOME and KDE (though many of their apps tend to ignore 
this as well) are against MDI interfaces, we would see fewer apps using them 
in the future.

2. To answer Bart's question, Multiple Document Interfaces force apps to 
basically turn themselves into pseudo window managers. Also it definately 
complicates the design of simple menus (ie. the file menu in galeon) with 
superfulous menu entries (open, open in new window, open in new tab, new tab, 
new window, close window, close tab, close all windows etc.).

Imho poor window lists are one of the main reasons users prefer tabbed 
interfaces, who wants to have 30 entries in the window list. In many ways i 
think grouping in the gnome2 window list along with multiple desktops can 
provide the same ease of use that MDIs provide, while not forcing app 
developers to turn every app into a window manager.   

I'm sure seth and MPT could provide even better reasons, or at least explain 
the inherent problems even better than I.

dave



Bart Kelsey <bart osc edu> said:

> The HIG document mentions that Multiple Document Interfaces have 
> "inherent usability problems."  As an experienced user, however, I 
> should point out that multiple documents (especially using tabs at the 
> top of the screen) tend to make my user experience a lot more pleasant 
> and convenient.  Switching windows is generally more cumbersome than 
> switching tabs if you're trying to edit or view many documents at once.
> 
> I realize that a Single Document Interface may be easier for a new user 
> to understand, but why not add an option in the Preferences dialog 
> (defaulted to single documents) that allows more experienced users to 
> opt to use the application in MDI mode?
> 
> Along the same lines, what exactly *are* the usabilty problems with MDI?
> 
> Bart
> 
> 
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