[IxDA Discuss] Affordances in interface design

[Cecily Walker]

On 3/7/07, Mark Schraad <mschraad at mac.com> wrote:

> Basically - I was trying to explain the rational for using literal artifacts and why it is inevitably problematic. I was also giving a fromula for how to move others away from the idea - by adding sufficient value in the new offering, so that the designer can overcome those existing schemas.


Ah, thanks for this clarification, Mark.  I think that in my
situation, I not only need to consider how to ease existing users into
a new design, but how to accommodate the needs of newer users with
little or no accounting experience. Does the invoice metaphor work for
someone who has never prepared an invoice before?

Our product is in a critical phase of change right now. We understand
and know our largest user base quite well, and I think that shows in
the existing design. Our challenge is to embrace and support newer,
more inexperienced users without alienating our base.

- Cecily