Comments on: User Interface Design Rant

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:08:30 +0000

I most definitely agree that there is a lot to be said for the productivity of simplicity and the importance of user intuition when designing interfaces.

A friend of mine and I were talking about the single-task format of the iPhone, and the new competition found in the Palm Pre, which can essentially switch through “cards,” or apps. With the iPhone, we have to imagine that Apple realized that this simplicity and dedication to the currently open app was intentional. It is for the very reasons that Chad has mentioned that Apple employed this idea into the iPhone.

Now, also, we can safely assume that Apple is promoting using iTunes by disallowing apps such as Pandora or Last.fm to run in the background. The native iPod application CAN run in the background; this is just incentive to use iTunes for your music management, etc. Apple also is answering somewhat to Pandora by including the fairly new genius playlists (these are now available on the iPhone).

By: Kevin Holesh

Kevin Holesh — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:03:38 +0000

I agree Chad. Background apps on the iPhone would be interesting. The only one I see myself using is Pandora. Being able to close that app and still be listening to streaming music would be awesome!

I also think there is a HUGE market available to software makers who make “single taskers.” With an increasing amount of emphasis on productivity, I would be surprised not to see more apps like Writeroom where it is impossible to get distracted by email, Twitter, or Facebook.

Writeroom homepage: http://www.hogbaysoftware.com/products/writeroom

By: Chad Engle

Chad Engle — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:35:11 +0000

Kevin,
Single tasking is a great way to put it. It does allow you to do things more effectively at one time. I was not suggesting that the iPhone replaces a computer because I am still on my Macbook Pro 95% of the day. I was suggesting that the interface is more simplified and intuitive. I do think that your “single task non-distration” ideas hit the nail on the head. It would/will be interesting if they add background apps and how that changes the workflow on the iPhone.

By: Kevin Holesh

Kevin Holesh — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:47:02 +0000

The iPhone is an efficient device for more basic tasks. If am writing a blog entry or leaving some wall posts on Facebook, I’d prefer to do it on my laptop because I can do it much quicker. Typing short messages is fine on the iPhone, but definitely not longer than a couple paragraphs.

That said, the iPhone does allow me to concentrate more on the task at hand. I’m not distracted by emails popping up, twitter messages appearing, or getting lost on Digg.com. I can get things done quicker when I’m single tasking.

By: Chad Engle

Chad Engle — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:13:09 +0000

Ron,
“maximizing the users input in the most efficient manner” I really like that. I agree the learning curve is smaller and the fact that its got a set SDK full of buttons helps keep them “smart” and easy to use. I agree though once you hit the big boys like Adobe (I never used the menus) that things get a bit more complex. Good points.

By: Ron

Ron — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:22:51 +0000

You make very valid points and the iPhone has a smaller learning curve. In more pro apps with all the extra features you have key commands that are extremely time saving. The computers key commands are much like gestures on the iPhone. I think it really boilds down to maximizing the users input in the most efficient manner.

By: Chad Engle

Chad Engle — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:26:36 +0000

Thanks,
I agree that we have seen simplicity in every other facet of art and architecture. The point I was trying to drive home is that simple is easier for the end user and therefore the have a a better experience.

Example:
You go to the mall and park in parking lot F. The only entrance to the mall is on the opposite side of the mall. Now, you have to walk all the way around the outside of the mall just to get inside. You forgot your phone in the car and realize you have to walk all the way back. Are you going to go the mall again? Probably not. You might go back if that’s the only mall that you have in your area.

Point being is that if an app is so complex that I have to go three menu’s away just to make a simple edit or delete function I will become frustrated with this app. The apps on the iPhone usually make edit & delete in the same menu or one tap away.

By: Chad Engle

Chad Engle — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:21:02 +0000

I do the same thing. I use the Facebook iPhone app because it is more simple. Another app that has blown my mind is Newsstand for RSS on the iPhone. It syncs and has a ton of features and is just stupid, simple easy to use. I can delete feeds right in the feed list which I can’t even do in native google reader. (mainly where this rant came from)

People do use platforms for different things and I am not saying everything has to have just one button but I am challenging the fact that we need EVERY feature in EVERY app.

By: Chad Engle

Chad Engle — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:18:57 +0000

I agree about photoshop and illustrator but the cleaner the interface the better. I like bells and whistles (like you do) when they are needed. If they are a bunch of fluff, like extra features you will never use I don’t like them that’s what I was getting at. I do agree with Tweetdeck for the iPhone being better than the desktop app. The desktop app hoggs memory and is a visual overload, thats why I switched back to tweetie.

By: 16012

16012 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:39:05 +0000

I agree with you Chad, but we have gone thru this simplicity process before in other media.(art, architecture, design, photography, art…) and every time, after a while, a certain amount of diference and complexity is required again. Boredom is the number one enemy of everything, including interfaces.
Thousands of websites, blogs etc look the same, say the same, use the same distribution… and they work effectively as an interface…After awhile, you can´t tell the difference between one and another. They do not work as a personality builder.
So, I think simple is cool, but I think it’s even better to disguise simple in a complex outfit.
Thanks for the post! Really cool!
16012

By: Aaron Irizarry

Aaron Irizarry — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:31:36 +0000

Couldn’t agree more.. I have actually been noticing that lately as well with my iPhone… I actually rarely go to facebook.com anymore because the iPhone app has simplified the things I do on facebook.

This isn’t true for all users i’m sure as everyone uses different platforms for different reasons… but I definitely agree that the simple, precise approach is best.

~ Aaron I

By: alex eben meyer

alex eben meyer — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:15:50 +0000

I very much agree, however, i think there can be variation in what and when an app needs to do or be. personally, i want bells, whistles and the kitchen sink (as long as it runs well) in my photoshop and illustrator pro apps. however, with simpler more singular apps i want them to do less, do it faster more efficiently. example, even with the update to tweetdeck, i HATE the desktop app and think the iphone app is a much better experience.