Once, when I was working at (not for) Intel, I was asked to write a
program that would delete a bunch-o-files. I asked the project leader
what kind of "confirm" dialog message message he wanted (as I came
from a Mac world where such human factors were standard) and he said,
"...well, if you need to require something, just have them push any
key to Delete. I could see that the concept of "user error" hadn't
yet become part of his world. So after the routine was written, I had
him review it at the computer. When the message, "Push any key to
delete." came up, I opened a 3-ring binder next to the keyboard. It
landed on some key and the delete process began.
Then WE decided it was better to asked for a specific keystroke and
a two key combination.
Designing things to "do" is easy. Anticipating errors, within reason,
and allowing recovery is a bit more work.
73,
Paul
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