Use Restraint

Can the second-system effect be avoided? Ideally, you want to add power and functionality to your next release, but you also want to make the features easier to use. You can accomplish this goal by using more elegant user interface solutions, such as:

• Making apparently dissimilar features similar, as was done with the Microsoft Windows Shell Namespace used by Windows Explorer. The Shell Namespace makes Control Panel, the Recycle Bin, Briefcase, and even Microsoft Internet Explorer look like files and folders.
• Making features more visible and easier to find.
• Using drag-and-drop functionality and other forms of direct manipulation.
• Fixing or removing problematic features.
• Simplifying interaction by using appropriate defaults.
• Eliminating unnecessary dialog boxes and message boxes.
• Making the program faster.
• Providing better system integration.
• Simplifying everything you can.

Another common problem with lack of restraint is to misuse new technology. Never add new user interface technology just because you can. Always have a reason.

I find it interesting to compare current versions of programs to previous versions. For example, in comparing Microsoft Word 97 to Word Version 6.0 (from 1993), I find the current version much more attractive and easier to use. The appearance is visually much cleaner. Although the current version is much more powerful, the screen layout and menu structure isn't more complicated. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. You should try to make your user interfaces simpler over time, not more complex.

While it is possible to improve your program and avoid the second-system effect, don't expect it to be easy. You'll have to make many difficult trade-offs.