unity-design team mailing list archive

["pjssilva@xxxxxxxxx" <pjssilva@xxxxxxxxx>]

I'll jump in...

> It's ok, by default the launcher must be never hide, I prefer this behavior
> for newbies.

Disclaimer: I am a scientist (I really am), not a priest. So, if a
well made test shows that a feature is confusing, even if I like, I
can accept to let it go. Moreover I certainy agree with Eric
Ziglioli's opnion above, the best

But I would like some further clarification on the test made with
dodge windows that proved that it was confusing for newbies. If I
understood correctly, a desktop with dodge windows was given to new
users without any explanation on its behavior, not even a 5 minute
walk through on the desktop, nada. Then the user finds its way to open
an application (as the launcher is there), and then he maximizes a
windows and gets uncomfortable as the  launcher disappears?

So, the problem is that as the launcher was originally present the
user may have the impression that it should stay always there, right?

Good. I can understand this. That is why I think never hide is the
best default option even though it is a really bad option for small
screens like laptops.

But did the same test was made with the option left, that is, always hide?

Because in this case it is not that clear for me how a user would find
its way to open the first application. There is no launcher, there is
no menu labeled start, the only clue is the first animation with the
launcher hiding itself upon login, that some users may partially miss.
Don't the users find this also uncomfortable?

> We can check easily if we've emails, updates, tweets or see ubuntu one
> activity when the launcher is on desktop screen.
>

This is also a very good point made by Eric that always hide is not
really a good option. The launcher is also a center for quick
information and there should be an easy way to keep it open from time
to time to check if I received that important email or if the long
file transfer is already done. It would be very annoying to be coerced
into constant mouse movements for that.

best,

Paulo

Obs: Another side note. A computer is a complex machine. I can
understand the it is important to make usable desktops for newbies
that did not have any training. But why can't we have more advanced
options for when newbies became veterans and learn their way. Another
nice test is to explain to someone the behavior together with the
advantages and disadvantages of "Dodge windows" versus "Always hide"
and after then see them using both and ask which one they prefer. It
is very weird to always make decision based on discoverability when
the discover period will only last a few weeks.