What Do You Look For In Screenshots?

_iris asks: "Most software creators offer screenshots of their software in action. Screenshots are also included in most 3rd party software reviews and previews. The screenshots are usually focused on the unique features of the program. When I am evaluating software, I am usually interested in how the software differs in the more mundane ways. I'm more interested in differences in the file open/save dialogs, what program presents to me when I first open it, how the help system is integrated into the system, etc. My reasoning is that if there is only one or two programs that accomplish my needs, it doesn't matter much how it works or what it looks like because I am stuck either using it or writing my own. Do you care about the unique features or do you care about the slight differences in the common features or do you focus on something else entirely?"

Comments

Ease of use for dumb, simple sheep

[Kra Z Joe]

I expect to NOT have to relearn how to do things. It should be so easy to use that ANY user familiar with that type of software can jump right in and use it effectively and efficiently.

It should look and feel as familiar to me as every other application (and the Operating System) that is on the computer.

So, don't show me that it's different - Show me how it looks when I'm using it. Certainly show any unique feature(s) that make your product better than what I'm using. Show me where your software kicks your competitor's to the curb. Show me how your stuff will make my life easier.

That's what I look for.