Re: [Usability] Gnome usability question regarding preference dialog

[Steve Fosdick <lists pelvoux nildram co uk>]

On Wed, 2009-01-28 at 11:07 -0600, Shaun McCance wrote:

> While all of these cases indeed suck, the point was that they
> don't suck any less with Apply/Cancel.  In a typical dialog
> without instant apply, Cancel does nothing after you've hit
> Apply.

According to the current HIG section 3.3.2 this is incorrect behaviour.
After you have clicked "Apply", OK closes the window but "Cancel"
restores the settings to the values at the time the window was opened.
This is the same function as the "Revert" button you refer to.

Now, of course, just because the HIG says to do it this way doesn't mean
everyone does it, particularly as it is harder (more programming) than
doing it wrong.

I am not arguing against instant apply, only that there are times when
people will change complex settings, get into a muddle and forget what
the original settings were.

Do this, for example to the mail server settings in your mail program
and you end up having to call the helpdesk to be reminded of what they
should be.

It would be better for users if they could abandon their attempt at
changing settings and restore things to how they were in such
circumstances.

A "Revert" button as you suggest for instant apply would be the most
consistent with what the HIG specifies for non-instant apply.

Regards,
Steve.