[openbeos] Re: inconsistency?

> Here I would like to add an important feature: if the user clicks on 
> any window (#1) that is
> being blocked by another window (#2) such that the blocking window 
> (#2) should get a flashing
> frame (if it has no frame it should get one) for about 1.5 seconds in 
> order to indicate that #2
> must be closed before #1 can be accessed.
> If multiple windows are blocking that window the whole group should 
> begin flashing.

One thing I don't think any OS does very well is making it clear when 
windows are modal. I've seen people open things like MS Word's options 
window, then repeatedly click back in their document, and get very 
confused that it isn't responding (even if the computer beeps and the 
options title bar flashes).

I had thought of showing this even more obviously - Christian seems to 
have some quick SSE alpha blending routines, how about "graying out" 
the app/entire system that is blocked apart from the modal window? I 
mean having a semi-transparent gray color painted over the top of 
everything that can't be clicked on.

I find it very confusing how in any system at the moment you can 
position a modal window so you can see the whole original window, and 
the original window (now blocked) looks exactly the same as it did 
before you opened the modal one. I think some visual way of enforcing 
that the main window is not currently accessible and to force the user 
to respond to the modal dialog would be a very good addition from a 
usability perspective.

Simon
 
> Bye,
> Waldemar
>

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