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Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu
From: |
Rick Lewis |
Subject: |
Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu |
Date: |
Tue, 13 Oct 1998 23:07:44 -0700 (MST) |
Hi, Laura and All,
There is something to say for both the old-style options menu and the
forms-based one.
I'm blind and use a Braille Display and have worked with both.
So why do I prefer the old-style options menu?
First, because it's easier and quicker.
But my main concern is not for me, because I can adapt to either, and
I'm good at using forms.
But new lynx users (including me when I was starting out) don't find
forms to be a piece of cake.
Forms are easier for the savvy user, and a puzzle to the newbie.
And if the old options menu weren't there, we'd be presenting one of the
most puzzling aspects of web use as the entry point to make users
set lynx options comfortably?
It seems obvious why many people in this forum prefer the forms menu,
both due to the familiarity with lynx form use and for efficiency and
economy of effort. I can relate to, and identify with, both, (although,
granted, I'm not a programmer and am thusnot doing the real work.)
I have to say that Bella and others make good points when they speak of
the problems in maintaining two options systems.
But I still wonder if forms should be one of the first things a new
user should encounter.
I can understand why many blind users are daunted by forms. They may
be visually intuitive, but tactually, they're not. Some have the submit
button above the choices *which I consider illogical; it's like taking
step four before you take step three); that doesn't seem to be illogical
for sighted users of the web at all, though.
Some have you use the same link twice to submit the form; others have
you arrow down.
I learned them by immersing myself in them, but I suspect some users
try to avoid them altogether.
If I'm right, the forms-based menu immediately confronts the user with
the most puzzling aspect of using lynx.
This aspect isn't difficult for veteran lynx users.
Alas, I offer opinions but no solutions.
I can go either way; in fact, I think the forms menu could provide even
more choice than it does in some areas, for immediate trying of complex
options.
But the two obstacles created by the forms-options menu in some
people's minds are unfamiliarity and selecting options in a way which
might cause the neophyte to find the decisions more frustrating than
having options they might not like.
--Rick Lewis
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, (continued)
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, Nelson Henry Eric, 1998/10/13
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, dickey, 1998/10/13
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, Bela Lubkin, 1998/10/13
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, Laura Eaves, 1998/10/13
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, Laura Eaves, 1998/10/13
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, Nelson Henry Eric, 1998/10/14
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, Lloyd G. Rasmussen, 1998/10/14
- Re: lynx-dev pre.10 : Options Form/Menu, dickey, 1998/10/18