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List:       kde-devel
Subject:    Re: Ui enhancements
From:       Michael Kreitzer <kreitma () wku ! edu>
Date:       2003-01-25 22:06:06
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> We just have had a very heated discussion on the kde-usability list on
> adding more configurability to KDE and most people there would say no to
> add any single more thing to configure almost regardless how useful or
> slick  it would be, as it would add complexity to an already  complex
> system. In this case the readability problem can be solved just by using
> another background.

This has got to be the most rediculous thing I have ever heard.  To think 
someone would even think that not adding configurability is a "Good Thing" 
'cause it might step on some poor newbies toes is absurd.  Create a button 
and label it "Advanced."  Problem solved.  If the newbie gets his poor 
underused mind in a twist 'cause he clicked the "Advanced" he has no one to 
blame but himself.  Forcing users who want to and do know what they are doing 
to resort to code modification to get desired changes is NOT a "Good Thing."  
Configurability and ease of use do not have to be mutually exclusive.  Give 
the users multiple levels of abstraction and allow them to select the one 
they are comfortable with.  Hell if you're THAT concerned with ease of use 
put the option for increasing the level fo configuration in some obscure text 
file somewhere and don't tell anyone about it.  That way at least you'll 
avoid your dreaded "newbie confusion" factor.
 
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