4 ms·
I think you conflate two things: user initiated and program initiated modals. UI wise they are the same, but UX wise they are entirely different things. For a
by friendzis 4y ago
I think you conflate two things: user initiated and program initiated modals. UI wise they are the same, but UX wise they are entirely different things.
For a lot of things you do actually want modals: file open dialog, yes/no dialog and similar so that is styled uniformly across the UI and comes from OS you trust so that the program has access only to the file[s] you explicitly gave access over OS dialog. These are the good modals.
However, modals are designed to take away the focus, interrupt you mid typing and what not. In absolute majority of the cases (and I cannot think of exceptions from the top of my head) you do not want the program to take the focus without explicit user action.
- TremendousJudge 4y agoI don't like the user initiated modals either, but I understand this is a matter of taste. For example, the search function opens a modal that covers part of the text, and when it's out of focus it's semi transparent. I'd much prefer it to open from the bottom, or the side, or somewhere else, but definitely not on top of the middle of the screen where I'm working. I find other editors much nicer in this regard.