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List:       kde-usability
Subject:    Re: optionitis
From:       "Aaron J. Seigo" <aseigo () olympusproject ! org>
Date:       2002-02-21 10:36:28
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hi.

> We may not want to code them into the functioning of the OS, but we do have
> to have a framework of what level of user will use what kind of option to
> make good decisions about where they go.

arranging options in a sensible fashion is indeed quite important, and yes we 
need to do "in the wild" usability tests for the final word on such 
arrangements. once we know how users actually interact with various 
configuration system layouts we can make improvements (and test those, too). 

by moving advanced and rarely used options away from simpler or commonly used 
options, by removing certain overly esoteric options altogether, by more 
logically grouping related options, by using more accurate/obvious wording, 
by providing an easier to use and more immediate guide system within 
configuration dialogs ... etc ... i believe we can vastly improve the 
usability of the configuration systems used in KDE ...

however, hiding or rearranging options at run-time based on asking a "how 
much do you know" question (or survey, for that matter) is not a good idea 
for a number of reasons. i'm usually not so dogmatic on an issue, but i've 
watched this get debated to death several times by people far more versed in 
these matters than i am on a few different message boards / mailling lists 
with the same results each time. i would prefer not to waste everyone's time 
just to come to the familiar conclusion of "user levels don't work".

btw, welcome to the usability list =)

-- 
Aaron Seigo
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