Flag

We stand with Ukraine and our team members from Ukraine. Here are ways you can help

Home ›› Apple ›› The Trouble with Caps Lock #wtfUX

The Trouble with Caps Lock #wtfUX

by Daniel Brown
2 min read
Share this post on
Tweet
Share
Post
Share
Email
Print

Save

Why does Windows reverse the cap settings when you press the shift button while caps lock is engaged? iT’S wEIRD.

Despite all the battles fought between Mac OS and Windows for operating system supremacy over the years, for users it’s now largely a matter of personal preference (not to mention budget). There are areas where each excels and where each lags.

However, if there is one fall-down, fatal, unbelievably horrible aspect of Windows that would be easy to fix and would leave no one wanting the old way of working, this is it.

iF i TURN ON CAPS LOCK, AND THEN i TRY TO USE THE SHIFT KEY, WINDOWS reverses THE CAPS SETTINGS. aT NO TIME IN ALL OF COMPUTER-USING HUMAN HISTORY HAS ANYONE ever FOUND THIS TO BE USEFUL.

But wait, there’s another surprise in store.

Obviously, Windows has inherited many bad habits from its past since people tend to get annoyed when features are changed or removed, no matter how outdated and useless that feature might be. (Think “paint bucket tool” in Photoshop.) “Modern” operating systems have the option (and even obligation) to do away with such nonsense.

Yet, the inverted-caps paragraph above wasn’t even typed on a Windows machine nor was it typed on a Mac. It was typed on a Chromebook.

That’s right, the newest member of the laptop world running the bleeding-edge of operating systems emulates the bad behavior of an old one.

There may be a reason they chose to emulate it, but I can’t think of one. Anyone?

P.S. I know someone is bound to mention that Ctrl-Alt-Del is THE worst usability choice in all of Windows and certainly the most famous, but it is highly unlikely you would discover it accidentally.

 

Keep these coming. Send them to us via Twitter or Facebook using the hastag #wtfUX or email them to: [email protected] with “#wtfUX” in the subject line. Include as much context as you can, so we get a full understanding of what the f%*k went wrong.

post authorDaniel Brown

Daniel Brown
Daniel has spent the past 20 years in software companies both large and small. From web design and development for a “boutique” web design firm to Evangelism for Adobe Systems, to helping budding startup companies get a foothold in the market, he’s worn a variety of “hats". Daniel has spoken at a variety of events worldwide including the Sundance Film Festival, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Santa Fe Digital Workshops, and the Pacific Imaging Center in Hawaii on the topics of web design, digital imaging, photography, and user experience. Daniel currently serves as the head of the interface and user experience department at a small medical software company in Providence, Rhode Island.

Tweet
Share
Post
Share
Email
Print

Related Articles

Curious about the next frontier in AI design? Discover how AI can go beyond chatbots to create seamless, context-aware interactions that anticipate user needs. Dive into the future of AI in UX design with this insightful article!

Article by Maximillian Piras
When Words Cannot Describe: Designing For AI Beyond Conversational Interfaces
  • The article explores the future of AI design, moving beyond simple chatbots to more sophisticated, integrated systems.
  • It argues that while conversational interfaces have been the focus, the potential for AI lies in creating seamless, contextual interactions across different platforms and devices.
  • The piece highlights the importance of understanding user intent and context, advocating for AI systems that can anticipate needs and provide personalized experiences.
Share:When Words Cannot Describe: Designing For AI Beyond Conversational Interfaces
21 min read

Uncover the dynamic landscape of UX design as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the field. With automated tools revolutionizing our roles, what does the future hold for designers?

Article by Michal Malewicz
The End of Design?
  • The article explores the impact of AI on UX design, questioning the future role of designers as automated tools become more prevalent.
  • It highlights the historical evolution of UX design and the commodification of design roles, emphasizing the shift from creative problem-solving to efficiency-driven practices.
  • It emphasizes the need for future designers to be generalists with strong decision-making skills, capable of leading projects and maintaining creativity in an AI-driven landscape.
Share:The End of Design?
9 min read

Tell us about you. Enroll in the course.

    This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Check our privacy policy and