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Subject: Re: [motm] Re: User interface design - Moe's long semiannual rant

From: Adam Schabtach <adam@...>
Date: 2002-08-13

> Yes, but the layout of various modules would at least become
> differentiated through the prioritization of function within each
> module.  Then, it would be easy to find each module (it would look a
> bit different from the next).  And then, you could find your favorite
> function within each module easily, because you'd know it was either
> the "big knob" or the "little knob" under the "big knob". 

Yes, I agree, except that I don't think that one could come up with a
universally accepted prioritization of function even within a given
module. But as I said somewhere else, this might be an arbitrary
distinction. In other words, you could make some essentially random
choice of knob sizes for a given module, and that would distinguish it
from other modules, and yes the owner would soon learn and remember
that the little knob is the important one (to them) in the case of a
particular module.

However, I will seize this opportunity to mention that I don't find
myself having any trouble locating my modules. I have about two dozen
now, and already in the short time I've spent with my system, I fairly
automatically know where any given module is. This is more a behavior
of muscle memory than of visual recognition, i.e., my hand "knows"
where the 420 filter is and is on its way there before I need to look
for it. Perhaps this is because I have "only" two dozen modules, or
perhaps it is because I put a good deal of thought into arranging my
modules before I even started building them. Hey, it was a way to pass
the time while waiting for my kits to arrive. :-)

> In the end, it's a stylistic choice, I guess. 

And a pragmatic one. Paul has stated that efficiency (and hence
economy) of production is one of the motivations behind the MOTM
design. I find that the design is very functional in use--maybe not
flashy, but completely functional and not at all displeasing. As an
assembler of kits, I appreciate the uniformity--it makes 'em easier to
put together.

Anyway, it's a fun topic to kick around. I don't pretend to have
answers, but I do have opinions. :-)

> (And I'll repeat the
> three cheers for Moe)!

Oh, most definitely. Hey Moe, I've been meaning to thank you for the
MOTM-compatible parts list on your site. It saved me a whole bunch of
time recently.

--Adam