Apple is coming out with a lot of OS features that are by default mapped to function keys, things like as Expos� and Dashboard.
I find it disturbing, as the function keys aren't particularly great at communicating the existence of those features; an important aspect of UI design.
As Apple can benefit from its tight software/hardware integration, I'd like to see them subtly redesign the keyboard layout. Actually, the Eject, Volume and Brightness keys are already doing this, but OS features like ones mentioned above merit a dedicated (or at the least a well communicated) key IMHO.
I'm not proposing the 'www button' approach taken by some manufacturers, but many things could be made clearer. The current legacy key set with its cryptic 'ctrl' and 'f1' isn't all that clear and concise.
Features that could also benefit from a new/dedicated key to communicate their existence:
� Contextual menu (to support the one-button mouse ideal)
� Scroll wheel/orb (to support the one-button mouse ideal)
� Larger/Smaller (for scalable UI in Tiger)
How does it sound, for either inexperienced or power users? How would you improve the KB?
J
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