Don't agree entirely with this article. It all depends on how complex the UI has to be. As long as you don't punish a user by making the same button do somethi

Don't agree entirely with this article. It all depends on how complex the UI has to be. As long as you don't punish a user by making the same button do something "irreversible" or do something which takes a fair amount of effort to undo ("fair amount" is relative here) then modes can be very useful. Also, Photoshop is a prime example of a piece of software that's been around for over a decade, and has grown to such an extend that it's probably impossible to not have modes. Modes are a great way to expand a UI. You just have to be very careful that ctrl+z doesn't turn into "quit without saving". They're one of those tools that every UI/UX person should have in their pocket, to pull out - at the right time. As for timed modes; I reckon it's all about feedback. Letting someone know what's happening, what's going to happen, and when it will happen.