[Bf-funboard] UI Mockups

Troy Sobotka troy.sobotka at gmail.com
Sun Sep 29 18:23:03 CEST 2013


On Sep 28, 2013 9:49 AM, "Jude Jackson" <syzygy6 at gmail.com> wrote:

> That said, in any given task, I much prefer to have a balance that
> minimizes clutter and maximizes information.

Apologies for eavesdropping in here.

It should be noted that the above statement leans heavily on the bias of
privileged language. Both ‘clutter’ and ‘information’ occupy unique
non-neutral positions within Eurowestern language, with positive and
negative biases. The hidden complex definitions behind their facades steer
the conversation subtly, without an analysis of the communication.

Who draws the line at what is useful (‘information’) and what is not
(‘clutter’) is the precise design question here, and the solution is not
nearly as clear as the language would suggest. Hence they are privileged,
defined by the wielder.

The two design terms being discussed here, as is likely well known, are
Progressive Disclosure and Discoverability. As a general rule, the pair
tend to operate as a polemic - pulling against each other.

The only answer to many of these questions is often to examine the precise
context as to who is utilizing the design. For example, what is ‘clutter’
and ‘confusing’ for a neophyte 3D modeler may be an infuriating obfuscation
of information and additional interface efficiency lost for an experienced
professional. Even within this ontology, there are surely other traits of
people that put the design goals at odds with each other.

Apologies again for eavesdropping. My concern was that the discussion was
becoming somewhat skewed by the classic bait words of privileged language.
Somewhere Foucault is doing a facepalm...

Further Reading:

Easy, Intuitive, and Metaphor and other Meaningless Words
http://www.uigarden.net/english/easy-intuitive-and-metaphor

Simplicity is not the Answer
http://www.jnd.org/dn.mss/simplicity_is_not_th.html

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has
taken place.”

With respect,
TJS


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