MindRaider + MindForger

Posted by Dr Andus
Dec 10, 2011 at 09:56 PM

This is more of a general point, but looking at MindRaider its interface reminds me of many other PIM (such as UltraRecall), which have a number of rectangular panes that divide the screen. While I understand the benefits of such layouts, what could be its drawbacks? Surely one reason this layout has become so standard is because monitors themselves have become perfect rectangles. But did it have to be so? My field of vision is not rectangular. Its more of an oval shape, in fact like old TV monitors used to be, such as this one: http://images1.dailykos.com/i/user/3/old_TV.jpg

What would outliners look like if computer monitors were round? Would we be working with points in concentric circles, or dragging ovals around, rather than lists in rectangular panes? It would be nice to see some alternatives to lists and squares. I know that there are a couple of goal planning software that utilise the circle metaphor but it seems that the rectangular form factor is somehow stifling creativity and the imagination…