Through the Interface

3 responses to “Call for proposals for Autodesk University 2014 approaching”

1. 

   James Maeding

   April 14, 2014 at 3:43 pm

   Hi Kean, I took a second to see what the SensorTag is and thought about the most, let's say, distractive, user input activity with AutoCAD. I would say osnap input is the top of my list. In Civil, running osnaps work against you most of the time, so I use single shot osnaps with wheel click set to show the menu, then a keystroke of E or I...to issue the mnemonic. Its really fast, but mouse makers keep increasing the wheel click pressure so that stresses your hand. No matter how you rearrange things, its a two action deal. I have seen people assign function keys osnaps, but minimizing typing and mouse movement is the answer. Voice is the first choice to replace it, but maybe some combination of movement could too. Like a foot tap to issue the menu, then type the mnemonic. More thought needed, but something more ergonomic than a wheel click or, heaven forbit, shift-right click (uuuggghh) is needed. The solution would apply to other commands too, for anyone thinking osnaps are not so important.

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2. 

   James Maeding

   April 24, 2014 at 6:47 pm

   If you really want some attention, do a class on the internal structure of Autodesk as an organization, so we know how to navigate who to lobby when something seems out of balance. Personally, I am thinking of the web interface for the DG's. We have been crying for a less bloated interface for years now and change is not happening. The technical people need the support of the higher ups, and customers are the ones with the leverage to explain the impacts. Is there some listing of chain of command somewhere for the major efforts autodesk does, being its a public company?

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   1. 

      Kean Walmsley

      April 24, 2014 at 7:44 pm

      Interesting idea - I may just propose that to someone in ADN to consider (I'm not the right person to attempt that one, at least not in my current role).

      I doubt there's a published "chain of command", as such: that tends to be too fluid - and therefore requiring too much effort - to maintain externally.

      The board and exec staff are listed here, at least:

      usa.autodesk.com/ads...

      Kean

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