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Hidden interface controls that affect usability

(interactions.acm.org)
561 points cxr | 1 comments | 05 Jul 25 23:10 UTC | HN request time: 0.21s | 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. theturtle32 ◴[06 Jul 25 16:47 UTC] No.44482211[source]▶
Yes! This is how things should be. And additionally, I want to see all the keyboard shortcuts visible on the menu items they activate. And every tool tip that pops up when you hover over a button should also show whatever keyboard shortcut activates that function. It's the best way for novice users to notice and the keyboard shortcuts for the things they care about without having to go elsewhere to look them up.