CompuServe Messages

The Mac's user interface is less a function of their OS (although it did help a little bit that they had some standard controls defined and a file "requester"…) than a result of Apple's stuffing a document called the "Human Interface Guidelines" down the developers' throats. The problem is, of course, that Apple never followed it's own guidelines. About a year or so ago, Apple had finally managed some consistancy, and then they came out with Hypercard and Multifinder. Right now, it's a mess. At least, from the developers point of view. (Apple is still trying to shove more Guidelines down developers' throats, but can't even get them straight anymore…) The main problem with Apple's method of doing things was that it simply could not cover EVERY eventuality. So as people found a need to do something different, they each kludged up their own method of bypassing the existing interface. So now the consistancy which marked Apple's early applications is dissapearing. Personally, I think going in the opposite direction is better. Find out *what* is wanted, provide it, but allow for people to do things a different way if needed. –>Steve Bennett