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Preference dialogs that have a dozen tabs each with a dozen settings need cancel buttons. Make a better and simpler preference window and the need for those but
by sjs 16y ago
Preference dialogs that have a dozen tabs each with a dozen settings need cancel buttons. Make a better and simpler preference window and the need for those buttons goes away.
I don't need to confirm every command I issue. That is just madness. I like zsh confirming when I type `rm foo/*`. I don't like a preference dialog confirming that I really meant to change some colour (OK and Apply don't pop up but they are confirmations nonetheless).
- Someone 16y agoThe problem with "Preference dialogs that have a dozen tabs each with a dozen settings" is that users will not remember what they changed. Therefore, they won't know which of cancel or apply is the worst of the two evils they have to choose from. The better thing to do is to do away with modality and to provide live updates of any setting users make. That way, users can see the effects of each preference change as they make it (as with Mac OS X inspectors and the Office ribbon). 'commit' buttons have their role, but they should be the exception, for actions that the user cannot easily revert. Also, they never should be labeled with generic phrases such as 'OK'.
- sjs 16y agoI agree. Perhaps I should have phrased my first paragraph differently.