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Just the other day I watched a very experienced programmer who already had an IRB session open (not to mention a bash shell and the availability of a python rep
by jwecker 17y ago
Just the other day I watched a very experienced programmer who already had an IRB session open (not to mention a bash shell and the availability of a python repl, I'm sure) start up that very calculator to do some quick calculations.
While I agree about being faithful to expectations and see value in that, I also believe that metaphors can sometimes continue to live past the time they should be expired due to sheer laziness. There's only been one generation (ish) exposed to that physical interface for a calculator- it's not like it's a permanent beginner metaphor.
- nevinera 17y ago>start up that very calculator to do some quick calculations. I suspect that had more to do with purity of work flow - I often open up a second python shell to do math in so I won't have to scroll the stuff I'm working on off the screen. >I also believe that metaphors can sometimes continue to live past the time they should be expired due to sheer laziness. How so? It's obviously not laziness in this case - there are dozens of alternatives developed, and Apple is particularly good about making conscious decisions about interfaces. I can't debate that statement in the literal sense (obviously they "can sometimes"), but I don't think it applies here - they left the calculator app as-is because presenting a familiar interface to the majority of users is more important for their experience (and therefore Apple's bottom line).