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Easy to Use

An easy-to-use program offers a compelling, intuitive experience for the user. It offers elegant solutions to complex problems and has a well thought out interface that uses familiar paradigms. It is easy to install and configure because it makes intelligent choices for the user, but it also gives the user the option to override those choices when needed. It presents the user with tools that are relevant in the current context, eliminating or disabling irrelevant tools. It also warns the user against performing dangerous actions and provides ways to undo those actions if taken.

Table 7-2 lists several Mac OS X technologies that you can use to make your software easier to use.

Table 7-2  Technologies for achieving ease of use

Technology

Description

Aqua

If your program has a visual interface, it should adhere to the human interface guidelines for Aqua, which include tips for how to lay out your interface and manage its complexity. For more information, see “Aqua.”

Quick Look

Introduced in Mac OS X v10.5, Quick Look generates previews of user documents that can be displayed in the Finder and Dock. These previews make it easier for the user to find relevant information quickly without launching any applications. For more information, see “Quick Look.”

Bonjour

Bonjour simplifies the process of configuring and detecting network services. Your program can vend network services or use Bonjour to be a client of an existing network service. For more information, see “Bonjour.”

Accessibility technologies

The Accessibility interfaces for Carbon and Cocoa make it easier for people with disabilities to use your software. For more information, see “Accessibility.”

AppleScript

AppleScript makes it possible for users to automate complex workflows quickly. It also gives users a powerful tool for controlling your application. For more information, see “AppleScript.”

Internationalization

Mac OS X provides significant infrastructure for internationalizing software bundles. For more information, see “Internationalization and Localization.”

Keychain Services

Keychains provide users with secure access to passwords, certificates, and other secret information. Adding support for Keychain Services in your program can reduce the number of times you need to prompt the user for passwords and other secure information. For more information, see “Keychain Services.”

For information on designing an easy-to-use interface, see Apple Human Interface Guidelines.



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Last updated: 2007-10-31




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