Re: lilypond-user Digest, Vol 38, Issue 17

[Linda Seltzer]

User Experience engineering does not require a GUI or an abandonment of the
programming and typesetting approach.  It does not require the abandonment
of providing detailed features.  What it requires is that the language
and documentation are clear and that functionality doesn't require time-
consuming work arounds.  For example, if one is running on a Windows
environment, one should not have to install another editor and worry about
getting that to work, and the outputs should be easily usable and readable
by other programs without having to install other kinds of programs and
accessories.  It means that everything is made simple and clear for the
user.  There are users, unlike myself, who have never done any
programming.  Simplicity and clarity are as important as providing desired
features.  I am saying this as someone whose software has been
incorporated into the Sprint network operations system, the AT&T network,
the Silicon Graphics workstations, the Coast Guard communications system
and other products.  I have seen development projects sink and swim, and I
am merely discussing what will "swim" if it is to become highly profitable
at some point.  If I were saying this at a profit-oriented company no one
would disagree, let alone generate a flame war.  I have seen multi-million
projects go down the drain because the management didn't pay attention to
issues such as marketing or the user experience.