On 2010-10-21 13:08 , Ashley Aitken wrote:
It's probably hard to believe (?) but I think most people who use computers don't multi-task, or at least need to run two applications side-by-side (e.g. think iPad).
i think they live with it on the iPad because there's a perception that there's not room (when really the processor and memory are the limitations); however once upon a time we had even smaller screens, and someone realized Desk Accessories were worth having, then Multifinder, and then we loved it when screens grew (to still less than iPad resolution) and two windows could be used side-by-side; people who did actual work had no doubts that these were advances
the problem with allowing applications to provide specific simultaneous-view options (e.g. photos in iPhoto) is that the problem domain is then defined by the application; a windowing interface still has merit, i believe, because the user can define the problem domain with more precision and subtlety than any app; some of what people appreciate in iOS today is a temporary diversion because frustration about needless complexity has been channeled into delight over needless simplicity -- it's an historical see-saw effect
away from the iPad, my observation is that young people today are watching a twitter feed while doing their homework; they may also watch a movie and have a chat running at the same time; i'm flabbergasted at the level of multitasking young people do today; so i'd be curious to watch the growth of some of the split-browser iPad apps (there are ten or so available), since a browser window can be used for most anything; i guess another option would be a bank of three or four iPod Touches, perhaps with a bluetooth "KVM" ...
Most people drive automatic (as opposed to manual gear changing) cars.
a flawed analogy because the gear shift is one of many controls and displays that are all in view and usable simultaneously
and there is quite a bit of multitasking going on in cars today -- audio, GPS, cell phones, food & drink, flipping fingers, shaving ...
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