[OT] User Input (was Market Share)

[Scott Rossi]

Recently, Rob Cozens wrote:

> Two hints:
> 
> 1. Start with the mouse cursor in one corner of your screen and see
> how much faster you can move your hand to the diagonal corner with
> the mouse in the air instead of dragging across a surface.  Imagine
> being able to pick up the mouse and set it down where you want the
> cursor instead of dragging it.

1A) Try lifting a stylus/pen up from the tablet, and placing the stylus back
at exactly the point where you first pulled away.  Alternatively, try laying
the the stylus down on the tablet, and then picking it back up at precisely
where you were holding it.


> 2. Pick up a pen or pencil,place your hand in the center of your
> screen, and see how much of the screen real estate you can reach with
> the tip of the pen(cil) without moving your hand.

2A) Try working in the above described way for hours on end, without moving
your hand.  Sure, the above is *possible* for simple tasks, but is virtually
impossible for actual work without some level of strain, or at least
discomfort. Practically, you are going to move your hand.  A lot.

The point is, the above scenarios don't necessarily imply a *better* user
input method, only an alternative one.

Regards,

Scott Rossi
Creative Director
Tactile Media, Multimedia & Design
-----
E: scott at tactilemedia.com
W: http://www.tactilemedia.com