TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Many interfaces have switched to ribbon-style. I have found it more convenient, but still it was something new I had to learn initially. Not everyone is as eager to learn as I am. I think most people are happy using the same old thing day after day because they already know how to use it.
From: hannah -dot- drake -at- formulatrix -dot- com [mailto:hannah -dot- drake -at- formulatrix -dot- com] On Behalf Of Hannah Drake
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 12:59 PM
To: shawn -at- cohodata -dot- com
Cc: Cardimon, Craig; techwrl
Subject: Re: When User Interfaces Attack
Well, we're about to release a revamped version of our primary software where we went from regular menus to a ribbon-style menu. Most programs with a lot of different commands/functionality are going that way, or already have. In defense of the ribbon, it accomplishes three things: making features more discoverable, providing a more visual UI, and also enabling developers to keep adding features without making exceedingly giant menu trees or right-click menus that keep expanding.
That said, we're expecting some lashback from users because the nature of people is to dislike change.
On Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 12:50 PM, Shawn <shawn -at- cohodata -dot- com<mailto:shawn -at- cohodata -dot- com>> wrote:
Nice list. Thanks for sharing Craig.
It is comforting to learn that I am not alone about many of these, without
merit, changes for the sake of change.
The default loss of scroll bars in OSx is one of the most infuriating ones
for me. I don't use them very often so I have enough trouble navigating
around a Mac... trying, in vain, to translate my knowledge of Ubuntu's and
Windows 7 OS UI knowledge.
I think it is fair that sometimes change is good but our own stubbornness
prevents us from accepting these changes and admitting the change is an
improvement. For instance, I absolutely detest the Windows 8 UI but others
love it. Brian commented that any UI change after Windows 2000 was
unnecessary but I think the Windows 7 UI was a huge improvement (uh... once
you add in some 3rd party modifiers like http://www.classicshell.net/ to
bring back the folder size in File Explorer). Finally, I know many may
disagree, but the Apple iPhone has gone through a steady stream of UI
improvements since iOS 4.
Most of the time, UI 'improvements' are highly subjective.
On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 8:59 AM, Cardimon, Craig <ccardimon -at- m-s-g -dot- com<mailto:ccardimon -at- m-s-g -dot- com>>wrote:
> How many of you Whirlers have seen decent user interfaces improved into
> failures?
>
>http://uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2014/03/if-it-isnt-broken-dont-fix-it.php
>
>
>
>
>
> Cordially,
>
> Craig Cardimon | Technical Writer
>
--
*Shawn Connelly*
Technical writer
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Doc-To-Help 2014 v1 now available. SharePoint 2013 support, NetHelp enhancements, and more. Read all about it.
Information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Doc-To-Help 2014 v1 now available. SharePoint 2013 support, NetHelp enhancements, and more. Read all about it.