The Need for "Single Window Mode" 3245

ZnU

Even a desk isn't two dimensional. One can lift objects just fine. It's not commonly used for the static arrangement of information, but people move objects around a desk more than you think.

Just because you don't use that space for storing information doesn't mean the space isn't used.

That takes much longer than it does to lift a paper you're already touching. Especially if you want to move it back when you're done.

Expose is a very good example of why kludges are a bad solution to interface problems. Expose has its uses, but it's not the magic window management solution everyone seems to present it as. It's good at organizing windows to reduce screen clutter (thereby making it easier to visually process), but it's still not a very good way to pick specific windows.

I didn't say you should present only one set of data at a time. I was merely pointing out that spatial organization isn't really a good solution either.

It's not instinctive. Anyone who deals with new computer users can tell you that.

I'm saying we need to stop using a desktop metaphor in the first place. It made sense 20 years ago, but not today. Even a zooming UI is better than what we've got.

Not at all. Gyroscopic mice would work as well (they already exist and aren't that expensive). You don't need to give people full tactile sensations--just a good way to move a cursor along a z-axis. I'm not talking about creating a virtual reality environment. Those are even *less* productive than what we're using now. Putting a ton of space between related tasks is a really bad idea.