OODL: A Starting Point for FreeUI

[Rob Cozens]

Well my friends...

how much dumber can one get then to post a message admitting dumbness and follow it with a document one hopes will lay the foundation for FreeCard's UI? I am a foole indeed!

Anyway, here's a very generalized starting point I hope we can build upon:

FreeUI

Overview:

The user interface (UI) is the means by which creators and viewers of FreeCard documents ("stacks"?) interact with the FreeCard engine ("interpreter/player"?) and obtain instructions/assistance in it's use. Individual FreeCard documents can build upon FreeUI or create an entirely different UI.


Capabilities:

The capabilities supported by FreeUI include:

* Creation and maintenance of new documents, pages ("cards"?), and individual objects, including resetting the properties of any object where appropriate

* Navigation from document to document and page to page

* Interaction with the engine via keyboard, mouse (trackball, etc) and display, with audio and visual feedback.

* Object scripting, including handler debugging and variable/message viewing

* Direct command input (ie: message box)

* Online and/or printed instructions on how to use FreeCard

* Import/conversion of HyperCard stacks


Goals:

1. Consistency: All aspects of FreeUI should share a common look and feel. It should appear to the user/developer as wholly integrated. A consistent look and feel should permeate every aspect of FreeUI, including documentation and help/error messages.

2. Simplicity: The FreeUI metaphor should be simple to understand & learn and provide convenient access to help.

3. Solidity: FreeUI must not be released to the public until it has been sufficiently tested to know it is stable and robust.

4. Velocity: FreeUI must perform adequately on the hardware base for which it is targeted.

5. Expandability: FreeUI must be modifiable.


Dumb as I am, I'll leave it there for now; but I do have more to offer.


Rob Cozens, CCW
http://www.serendipitysoftware.com/who.html

"And I, which was two fooles, do so grow three;
Who are a little wise, the best fooles bee."

from "The Triple Foole" by John Donne (1572-1631)