Evolution of the WIMP (Windows/Icons/Menus/PointingDevice) Interface (Was: Re: APPLEVISION Monitor,, No shell = No power)

From: Douglas H. Quebbeman <dquebbeman_at_acm.org>
Date: Tue May 7 20:24:53 2002

> Simple. I hate reaching for a mouse/trackball that's a mile away when my
> hands are already positioned on the keyboards. It's sooo much easier not
> having to use a mouse and keyboard at the same time. In fact, I'd venture
> to say it's easier to use a keyboard than a mouse, in part for the same
> reason the Mac has a menubar at the top of the screen... you KNOW without
> thinking about it where all the keys are on the keyboard (if you're a
> half-decent typist). Thinks you have to point and click at on the screen,
> using a mouse, you don't have the same spacial relationship with, and thus
> it's more difficult to hit things exactly.

Both the mouse and keyboard are true Fitt's Law devices. However,
I think you might be right for keyboards that perfectly match the
combo of forearm length and finger/hand size for a given person
(i.e. there is no universally perfect keyboard).

I was a two-finger typist from 1976 until 1991. Once day while
writing an article (for the Cobb Group's Inside QuickBasic), I
realized I was no longer looking at the keyboard and my fingers
were resting on the home row. The keyboard: The Mac Extended II.

OTOH, except for text entry, my right hand is always lighty
resting on the mouse, the left hand on keyboard home row.

-dq
Received on Tue May 07 2002 - 20:24:53 BST