Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> It’s about letting someone become an expert in your software.

This is brilliantly said. Watching someone, who does not think that they are technical, zoom around Excel is always special to watch.

> Microsoft office was always his example.

The Microsoft UI design rules are pretty amazing. The consistency over the years allows people to upgrade every 1-2 years and continue to use their software. (I do not write this a Microsoft fanboi.) The key for each upgrade: Incremental changes to improve the UX. One thing I never understood: When Win 95 introduced the concept of "right click everywhere for properties (and deeper settings/details)", why didn't the design team reject it? After all, it is invisible to user (to indicate right click is possible). It seemed like no one understood right click the first few times they used Win 95.



Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: