Usability of Windows Explorer

[mdkachmar]

Why do so many people find Windows Explorer and expandable-collapsible
tree controls hard to use?

Does anyone have any credible research that supports the hypothesis
that nested folders -- especially deeply nested folders -- are hard to
use? I have heard some everyday people describe Windows Explorer as
"uncomfortable" and "confusing".


Thanks.


Murray

 

[Richard Urban]

You seem to have heard quite a bit. What have YOU found it to be?


--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Why do so many people find Windows Explorer and
expandable-collapsible tree controls hard to use?

Does anyone have any credible research that supports the hypothesis
that nested folders -- especially deeply nested folders -- are hard
to use? I have heard some everyday people describe Windows Explorer
as "uncomfortable" and "confusing".

I am unsure why/how this is relevant to much of anything. After all - each
person perceives things a little different than the next. What you might
consider easy, I might never figure out and vice-versa. Some people like
*nix more than any other OS, some like XP, some refuse to upgrade from
Windows '98 because it works for them and others love the MacOS. It's a
point of preference. Personal taste.

That's also why there are dozens (if not more) replacements for Windows
Explorer available out there - many free. Not to mention replacements for
the entire look/feel for Windows XP.

Credible research on personal taste -- it's hard to do credible research on
something that is likely different for every single person on the planet.
=)

http://www.alexking.org/blog/2005/01/27/windows-explorer-replacement/

 

[mdkachmar]

Hi Richard

In all candor, I wish I knew more about this "hierarchy" phenomenon --
at least from a quasi-scientific perspective.

A few years ago I stumbled across a research paper that talked about
hierarchies and how people start to tune out after a handful of levels,
but I don't remember the author and in many ways it was a different
time -- people were more concerned about the next big thing than basic
things like usability.

Recently, however, I came across a fellow named John Hiler -- a man who
apparently believes that the concept of folders may die due to
advancements in search technology.

http://www.microcontentnews.com/articles/deathofhierarchy.htm

Now on the face of it, his comments seem reasonable, but if true in the
purest sense of the word, the consequences from a software development
perspective are staggering.

Any research papers on hierarchy and usability in a general sense and
the usability of Windows Explorer in a specific sense would be most
appreciated.

Murray

 

[mdkachmar]

Hi Shenan

This question is relevant because as with all things in life, the
question is the answer. By this I mean progress can only occur when
people ask good questions.

Is a question that attempts to figure out why a pervasive technology
might be hard to use a valid question? Indeed, especially given the
genuine spirit of it. Only once we understand the true nature of
something can we improve on it.

Now, I do believe some of your comments about personal taste have
validity but I think what you are talking about is aesthetics not
usability.

Your point though is well-appreciated -- people have unique preferences
and abilities and the science behind this might be beyond our current
ability to understand it.

Murray

 

[Richard Urban]

Many do not consider the Windows filing system hard to use. I certainly
don't. My brother on the other hand, could not find an index card in a shoe
box if there were more than 5 cards therein.

So, what is your point? Some find it easy. Others find it hard. What are you
really trying to prove or discern? That some find it hard and others find it
easy?

Suggest that YOU do your own study, and publish the results.

Now, if you have a real computer question......................??

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[John]

Why do so many people find Windows Explorer and expandable-collapsible
tree controls hard to use?

Does anyone have any credible research that supports the hypothesis
that nested folders -- especially deeply nested folders -- are hard to
use? I have heard some everyday people describe Windows Explorer as
"uncomfortable" and "confusing".


Thanks.


Murray

Nested folders & controls work to their underachieving norm.

The primary bitc*h from this user is three fold:

1. Its bug ugly slow.

2. It doesn't have an integrated command line.

3. The search function is a joke, unless you like watching a puppy
wagging its tail in unison to #1 above.

John

 

[Donald Lessau]

Why do so many people find Windows Explorer and expandable-collapsible
tree controls hard to use?

Does anyone have any credible research that supports the hypothesis
that nested folders -- especially deeply nested folders -- are hard to
use? I have heard some everyday people describe Windows Explorer as
"uncomfortable" and "confusing".

XYplorer is currently developing a radically new approach to browsing which
is about to be released in version 6.0. Join the discussion in the XY Beta
Club now.

http://www.xyplorer.com/

Don