Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

I'm really encouraged by Moe's e-mail on future improvements to user
interface. The compromises imposed on the user interface by the
conformity to a "grid" of knobs are, IMHO, a source of many of the
complaints. And allowing different knob sizes will be a big gain.
For example, the micro VCA's labeling could have been more complete
with the extra real estate gained by using some smaller knobs for
less frequently used functions.

Extra functions in modules are of course welcome, but there is a
point at which the usability of an interface is hampered by the
compromises imposed by having EVERY function presented at the same
level of importance to the user. For example, if there are 5
interesting but arcane functions that are rarely used on a module
that crowd the one often used function, making it hard to find within
the grid of identical knobs, the module is compromised. Why not have
a normal knob with some space around it for the often used function,
and smaller knobs (to the side or below) for those arcane functions
we all secretly love? I hope this will be possible in future MOTM
modules. I'd gladly give up F-111 washers for this!

As an aside, the latest BMW 7-series sedan incorporates a new CPU-
based dash, with menus and pseudo joystick to access dozens of
functions. Many people hate it. Like the DX7, too many buried
functions. A modular CAN fall into the same trap, even though all
functions are accessable simultaneously, if the functions are buried
as needles in haystacks of identical knobs, spaced identically in
grids with limited labeling. Dare I say it... it reminds me of
searching through menus...

Best regards,
Roger