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Hidden interface controls that affect usability

(interactions.acm.org)
559 points cxr | 4 comments | 05 Jul 25 23:10 UTC | HN request time: 0.35s | source
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StellarScience ◴[06 Jul 25 01:08 UTC] No.44476903[source]▶
We have a user interface design rule that keyboard shortcuts and context menus must only be "shortcuts" for commands that are discoverable via clear buttons or menus. That probably makes our apps old-fashioned.

I recall learning that the four corners of the screen are the most valuable screen real estate, because it's easy to move the mouse to those locations quickly without fine control. So it's user-hostile that for Windows 11 Microsoft moved the default "Start" menu location to the center. And I don't think they can ascribe it to being mobile-first. Maybe it's "touch-first", where mouse motion doesn't apply.

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1. devnullbrain ◴[06 Jul 25 12:57 UTC] No.44480433[source]▶
I think it's user-hostile that 'maximise' is next to 'close'. After moving my mouse so far, I need to start using fine control if I want to maximise it. I want more of the program and, if I fail, I get none of it - destructively!
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2. 1718627440 ◴[06 Jul 25 14:04 UTC] No.44480928[source]▶
Can't you double click the titlebar or use Super-Up ?
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3. devnullbrain ◴[06 Jul 25 14:31 UTC] No.44481119[source]▶
The button is there to be used
4. mjmas ◴[06 Jul 25 15:13 UTC] No.44481425[source]▶
Some programs have Delete as the first item in the right click menu (and no easy undo) which is another great step for usability.