Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] "DOS based " peter kraus Mon, 25 Jan 1999 17:25:42 -0500

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some of the problem may be that ecs is a powerful control engine that is not
shielded by a graphical user interface. people who evaluate ecs compare it
to other programs. compare it to the cm11 software. the cm11 software is
very graphical, place the item icon, double click and select controls, move
it... as a result the program is very windowy. Its problem is that
underneath there is no engine. perhaps to satisfy the marketplace ecs should
be broken into 2 pieces the first would be the engine. no crap, no fun, just
a programming environment that lets a more tecnical type develop, test and
debug lifecode. this is the engine that makes ecs so powerful. the second
component would be a windows based happy and fun to use front end. no
programming. drag and drop. cut and paste...
Let the engine be a server to the front end.  now the use of windows
conventions would be simplified because only the front end needs them, the
back end can get away without them if the environment is optimized for code
development.

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Gilmore <omnip@usit.net>
To: ecs-list@netbloc.com <ecs-list@netbloc.com>
Date: Monday, January 25, 1999 5:06 PM
Subject: Re: [ECS] "DOS based "


:NO "offense" is taken !
:But I guess I need an example of a commonly used program
:which has these characteristics. Perhaps another HA program.
:I have the HomeVision software, but have rarely had the need
:to run it. How does it conform ?
:
:Bass, Bill wrote:
:>
:> Mark Gilmore wrote:
:> >
:> > Are we talking the use of the commonly-used
:> > FILE/EDIT/VIEW/etc style menus ?
:> >
:>
:> Yes, that is one thing, even though I agree that they are not
:> my preferred way to navigate, they are part of the Windows
:> "look and feel".  Another point is the style of the graphics.
:> Shapes, sizes and colors of frames, headers, text boxes,
:> buttons, etc.  I also think the font sizes and styles have
:> a strong bearing on the perceived "fit" of the user interface.
:>
:> Does anyone else have any opinions on this, or do I just seem
:> to be nit-picking?  I am not trying to imply anything negative
:> about ECS.  I am trying to offer suggestions which might
:> improve Mark's potential for market expansion.
:>
:> Bill Bass
:
:--
:Mark Gilmore
:Omnipotence (ECS Home Automation Software)
:omnip@usit.net
:http://www.usit.com/omnip
:

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