Universal GUI (was Re: HIG...)

[Ray G. Miller]

  From: Richard Gaskin <ambassador at fourthworld.com>
[snip]

> So maybe we developers could turn the tables: rather than enslaving
> ourselves to sometimes arbitrary specifications, we take it upon ourselves
> to make one recommendation for a Universal GUI.
> 
> 
> One could rightly argue that a Universal GUI could lead to a "lowest common
> denominator" GUI.  We'd have to be watchful of that, but at the same time
> the sum of common elements is not bad, and in its simplicity there may be
> great value.  We could still keep unique appearances, since each OS provides
> a heathly set of hooks for rendering controls.  But there's no reason
> layouts, behavior, and nomenclature couldn't be made consistent, with the
> option supported by the strongest research setting the standard others would
> be asked to comply with.
> 
> I realize it would be an uphill battle and likely without victory.  Worth
> pursuing, or better off left as a thought experiment? ;)
> 


A very worthy goal, Richard, but it sounds like a full-time job for a 
team... Are you willing to head it up? :-/

Apple's not-so-recent turn to the "eye-candy" design left me cold. It 
may be neato in the gaming world, but IMHO, it gets in the way. Not very 
classy. (It reminds me of a 13-year-old girl trying ALL her mother's 
makeup at the same time.)

For starters, we could use the HIG that really worked: The original 
Apple HIG.

I don't mean going back to black and white controls and windows. 3-D 
buttons are OK as long as they don't swell to three-times their original 
size and pulsate, all the while screaming "CLICK ME! CLICK ME".

For a really good example of terrible user interface design check out 
the free software that came with an Epson color printer. It's called 
EPSON Smart Panel. You must be reeeaaally smart to use it. It's even 
worse than the infamous DeBabelizer. If it's typical PC-ware, then I 
feel it's time to bring the PC world into the "kinder, gentler world" of 
the classic Mac... ;-0



Ray G. Miller
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