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> Let’s start with the basics: the simplest calculator has ten digit keys, a decimal dot, four arithmetic operators (+, -, ×, ÷), a result button (“=”), and a “
by openrisk 2y ago
> Let’s start with the basics: the simplest calculator has ten digit keys, a decimal dot, four arithmetic operators (+, -, ×, ÷), a result button (“=”), and a “C” key to reset state.
Mathematically there is already quite a lot happening here and in addition (pun) we use base-10 representation of numbers, which is not the simplest.
Might be interesting to explore if decomposing the problem into even simpler "sub-calculators" (e.g., starting with binary addition) and then putting everything back together as a sort of progressive enhancement would reveal the most logical or economical UI.