Re: [Usability] Gnome usability question regarding preference dialog

[Andreas Nilsson <nisses mail home se>]

Anirudh Sanjeev wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm writing an application targeted towards gnome users. I've noticed
> most of the preference windows have only a "close" button. Often, an
> accidentally changed setting cannot be reverted unless you know the
> older setting.
>
> While this seems counter intuitive for me, I just wanted to know why
> such a system is in place, as I'm sure there's a pretty good reason.
> While this paradigm saves the trouble of clicking "apply", the danger
> lurking in a preference dialog is always a little worrisome.
>
> Thanks, and have a good day,
> Anirudh
>   
Hi Anirudh!
I'm not sure how a Apply-button would help you more than instant-apply 
in that situation.
With instant apply:
1. Click a checkbox.
2. See the change happen.
3. Figure out that "oh, wait, I don't want that".
4. Click the checkbox again to unselect the option.
5. Close the window.

Without instant apply:
1, Click a checkbox.
2. Press the apply button.
3. See the change happen.
4. Figure out that "oh, wait, I don't want that".
5. Click the checkbox again to unselect the option.
6. Press the apply button.
7. Close the window.

I suspect it would be even more tricky using a apply button, as you can 
change 4-5 things, and then press apply, without being certain what 
control did what change to your system.
It would be kind of cool if ctrl+z worked in the preferences dialogs 
though (without any needed change to the UI).
- Andreas