Newton Interface Design

Do Not Underestimate the Value of Whizbang Features

Instead of adding more features to your application, make the ones you have elegant, easy to use, and fun (a smiling user is a great product advertisement). As we have said, you should add sound and view effects as status indicators for your user. Likewise, animation can contribute greatly to a pleasurable application experience.

For example, the system provides a Delete routine that gives you some nice animation for no extra work. To see an example of Delete, simply delete a name card from the Names application. The item is crumbled into a ball and is thrown into a suddenly appearing trash can that then disappears. Users find such animations a pleasure to watch. (We think there is a good third party opportunity in writing an Undo function that makes the trashcan reappear, uncrumples the item, leaving a wrinkle or two, and then makes the can disappear.)


An online version of Programming for the Newton using Macintosh, 2nd ed. ©1996, 1994, Julie McKeehan and Neil Rhodes.

Last modified: 1 DEC 1996