Chapter 19 -- Configurability Is Cool

Chapter 19

Configurable programs recognize the fact that not all users are the same. Different users have different personalities, work styles, and requirements, and configurable programs adapt to the user instead of forcing the user to fall into line with the program.

Users like configurable programs, and the ability to customize a program has a strong impact on how a user feels about the program. Consider Microsoft Windows itself. Users can change the Start menu contents and appearance, colors, fonts, wallpaper or background pattern, items on the desktop, taskbar System Tray, quick launch programs, screen saver, and many other details. Add-on programs such as Microsoft Plus! 98 and the Microsoft Tweak UI Control Panel applet are especially popular. As a challenge, quickly compare all the different Windows configurations used in your workplace and try to find two that are even close to being configured the same way. You probably won't be able to.