Re: [csswg-drafts] [mediaqueries-4] Interaction Media Features make a rigid primary/"rare" distinction

Patrick said:
> So, given multiple input types, designing for the lowest common 
denominator isn't "dumbing down"...it's adapting the interface to 
ensure that all available inputs can be used. This is a user-friendly 
move, a positive. 

There are indeed many cases where the lowest common denominator (large
 click targets) is not "dumbing down" but an improvement of usability,
 first of all by 

- allowing the user to interact with any pointer available / connected

- making interaction easier also for the fine pointer user, e.g., when
 affected by shake (think train journeys and the like) 

So the spec should perhaps use language / hints to encourage that and 
avoid terms like "rare" which implicitly suggest the inclusive 
approach is just a 'nice to have'.

Having said that, I also see cases where the choice of more inclusive 
large click targets becomes a problem since there simply may not 
enough space to present elements in one view. Going for large targets,
 an interface may need to be broken down into separate views that need
 to be navigated to - or be subject to a possibly disorienting re-flow
 of elements that may change both the order and discoverability of 
sections and interface elements.

In that sense, assuming a primary input mode can work for the user - 
because the alternative would be much less efficient. I think it is 
manly the author's call to weigh the trade-off between going for a 
design that has click targets for all but by the same token will also 
become more granular for all, requiring more navigation to different 
views, and a design that optimises for fine pointer control and 
disadvantages coarse pointers. The spec should empower authors to 
supply alternative designs suitable to coarse pointer, but I guess we 
have to acknowledge that there are use cases where a coarse pointer 
simply doesn't work - this is then the field where built-in zoom would
 necessary (say, if you insist on retouching a photo with pixel 
precision using your finger and not a fine pointer, you'd be forced to
 zoom in a lot).

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Received on Saturday, 12 November 2016 08:16:44 UTC