Hi Ming-Li,
On Tue, 19 Sep 2000 12:06:11 -0700GMT (20/09/2000, 03:06 +0800GMT),
Ming-Li wrote:
ML> It's at least debatable which takes more time--mouse or keyboard (or
ML> other user interfaces)--and the answer would depend very largely on
ML> personal habits and situations.
No, I'm sorry to say. In one of my earlier mails in this thread I said
I can prove that I am wrong, and keyboard shortcuts are faster.
This is because I have almost finished MZX867: Human-Computer
Interaction. The course is about User Interface & Design.
There are scientific and semi-scientifc to measure how "good" or
"fast" a UI is. Let me throw some keywords at you: HTA Diagram; NGOMSL
Description; Predictive Evaluation;...
My favourite is the NGOMSL Description: it analyses the Steps you have
to go through to accomplish a goal. This includes each keystroke and
each mouse click, but also each cognitive step. I don't want to go
into detail, as this is not the forum for it, but believe, it is not a
matter of debate which takes more time, and which is "easier" or more
straight-forward.
ML> I consider myself a keyboard person, and enjoy many of the
ML> keyboard shortcuts, if available. But I like mouse, too. I read
ML> email in my leisure time. With a cup of tea in one hand, leaning
ML> back comfortably in my chair, feet on desk or another chair even,
ML> mouse is more convenient.
Show me writing a reply with a mouse. It's possible; but hardly with
you feet up the desk. ;-)
ML> Then there's the problem of having to remember the shortcuts.
A cognitive problem, and that's my major problem with keyboard
shortcuts too.
ML> The bottom line is: keyboard may be more efficient (in general), but
ML> toolbar, along with many other UI enhancements, is more convenient
ML> and easier to learn (also in general).
I agree with you here. I just redesigned part of a software system for
the a.m. course, and I could prove that my redesigned version was
better and faster (I could and did prove it; less keystrokes and so
on). Upon evaluation with a real user, it fell through: the icon, for
example, was not intuitive to him, and on top of all, the user didn't
like my design because it was in English and not in Chinese. :-((( So
much for scientific measurement.
(Am I contradicting myself?)
--
Cheers,
Thomas.
Message reply created with The Bat! 1.46c
under Chinese Windows 98 4.10 Build 1998
on a Pentium II/350 MHz.
--
--------------------------------------------------------------
View the TBUDL archive at http://tbudl.thebat.dutaint.com
To send a message to the list moderation team double click here:
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To Unsubscribe from TBUDL, double click here and send the message:
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
--------------------------------------------------------------
You are subscribed as : archive@jab.org
