[brailleblaster] Re: Thoughts on the Specification
- From: Alex Jurgensen <asquared21@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: brailleblaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2010 12:46:41 -0800
Hi John,
Although I see the benefits to having the same look and feel across multiple
OS's, I would disagree with Braille Blaster being one of a kind when it comes
to how we should design the look and feel. Many cross-platform applications try
to have one look and feel across many OS's.
Not to put the guys at AbiSee down, but their IPal software is a good example
of code that was literally yanked from the Windows world and put onto the Mac.
It is probably the most extreme example of UI inconsistency in the realm of Mac
assistive technology that I have ever seen, and while I understand that they
made this decision in order to save development time, the result is that the
program takes longer to learn and become familiar with.
It is my opinion that things like keyboard commands and key UI elements should
be considered on each OS.
I believe that this would allow users to seamlessly integrate Braille Blaster
into their native OS's without needing to worry about learning a new way of
using the menu structures or window layouts.
Some small adjustments on each OS can go a long way towards this.
I am willing to assist with the Mac side of this.
Let me know what you think.
Regards,
Alex,
On 2010-12-08, at 12:16 PM, John J. Boyer wrote:
> Well, I think that BrailleBlaster is one of a kind and should have the
> same look and feel on all operating systems. The actual way in which the
> recent documents list is shown would be a matter of consensus.
>
> John
>
> On Wed, Dec 08, 2010 at 11:25:42AM -0800, Alex Jurgensen wrote:
>> Hi John,
>>
>> I like the idea of having a recent documents area in the file menu.
>>
>> I just have one suggestion.
>>
>> I think that we should implement the recent files area of the Braille
>> Blaster File Menu as the users on each operating system expect it.
>>
>> On Windows and linux, I believe your description of putting them at the end
>> of the menu seems good, but on the Mac, recent documents are usually found
>> in a "Open Recent" menu item that is right after the "Open" menu item.
>> Note: I am not positive about the Windows nor Linux way of doing this, so if
>> I am wrong, please let me know.
>>
>> I believe that in order for Braille Blaster to be simple to use, it should
>> conform to the native look and feel of native applications as much as
>> possible.
>>
>> I am not trying to be a major critic, this is just my opinion on your design
>> decision. I am open to doing it the way you prepose on all the operating
>> systems.
>>
>> Let me know what you think.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Alex,
>>
>>
>> On 2010-12-08, at 7:24 AM, John J. Boyer wrote:
>>
>>> I have just reread the specification carefully. It certainly hangs
>>> together better for me than at the beginning. Here are some thoughts.
>>> There is a menu item for opening a list of recent documents. These
>>> documents should be on the menu, just below the exit choice, as they are
>>> in
>>
>>> most word processors.
>>>
>>> The ability to open recent documents means that the users will want MDI.
>>> Fortunately, this is not hard to implement.
>>>
>>> We may need a third window for each document for print and embosser
>>> previews. What happens to the Daisy and Braille windows when a preview
>>> is chosen? Are they minimized?
>>>
>>> John
>>>
>>> --
>>> John J. Boyer; President, Chief Software Developer
>>> Abilitiessoft, Inc.
>>> http://www.abilitiessoft.com
>>> Madison, Wisconsin USA
>>> Developing software for people with disabilities
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Alex Jurgensen,
>> VoiceOver Trainer,
>> ASquared21@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>
>> Visit us on the web at: www.vipbc.org
>>
>
> --
> John J. Boyer; President, Chief Software Developer
> Abilitiessoft, Inc.
> http://www.abilitiessoft.com
> Madison, Wisconsin USA
> Developing software for people with disabilities
>
>
Alex Jurgensen,
VoiceOver Trainer,
ASquared21@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Visit us on the web at: www.vipbc.org
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