Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Former Xerox PARC Researcher: Windows 8 Is a Cognitive Burden

Posted by Soulskill on from the but-everybody-else-seems-to-like-it-so-much dept.

New submitter LiroXIV writes "You know you've messed up big time when someone related to the development of one of the first graphical interfaces for computers thinks you've messed up. Usability expert Raluca Budiu has shared the common conclusion for many about Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8; it's definitely not as user-friendly as past versions. Quoting: 'The advantage of the overlaid menu is that it preserves context. Cognitively, there’s more of a burden when you have to switch context twice (desktop->start screen; start screen -> desktop). There are reasons to force users to switch contexts, especially in the tablet or phone environment, where screen real-estate is a lot more expensive and a menu is forced to use only part of the (already-small) screen. In that situation, a separate page makes better use of the small screen space. There are fewer reasons for a separate page on a desktop – the start menu is a cheaper interaction than the start page.'"

6 of 404 comments (clear)

  1. Re:To paraphrase... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    "You're holding it wrong!"

    You're suppose to hold the desktop up to your face.

  2. Nope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    You know you've messed up big time when someone related to the development of one of the first graphical interfaces for computers thinks you've messed up.

    Nah, that hardly bothers me at all. I only really know I've messed up when the screams of terror start. And then suddenly stop.

  3. Re:To paraphrase... by Cute+Fuzzy+Bunny · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...Putting a phone interface on a desktop was a bad idea. We already knew that, but it's nice to get confirmation.

    Come on man, its the worst of both worlds! The limitations of a small screen and limited touch interface are wonderful replacements for a full rich gui and a keyboard.

    Or, as my android phone came up with when I spoke that response into it because it was too much to type:

    "Carnal mom, tis thrash bob wills. The lamentation of the women..."

    I think I had it set to 'conan' mode.

  4. Re:You know what else is a cognitive burden? by ColdWetDog · · Score: 4, Funny

    And how, pray tell, would you like the software to know what you want to do with your windows? How is it supposed to know if you want a window in the top left of your screen while another window is minimized?

    Hi! I'm Clippy! It looks like you could use some help organizing your desktop!

    --
    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  5. Re:Guess he will change his mind by KhabaLox · · Score: 4, Funny

    I actually use a mouse with the right hand and a magic trackpad on the left hand (with different gestures). Very efficient, at least for me.

    I actually use a mouse with the left and magic fingers with my right hand (with different gestures). Very efficient, at least for me.

    Oh wait, you're not talking about surfing porn, are you?

    --
    Ceci n'est pas un sig.
  6. Re:Summary left out the best quote from the articl by Chris+Mattern · · Score: 4, Funny

    How is anything "in your way" at all? The elements unique to Windows 8 are only visible when invoked called by you, the user. When on the desktop, there is nothing metro in your way at all.

    Look, I know you draw a MS paycheck, but give it up. It's not pinin', it's passed on! It's bleedin' demised!