Software developers, take note! Even if your software is 100% bug-free (although we hardly expect that these days), there are many things that could still be bugging your customers. Here's a run-down of the ones that annoy me the most. Some are specific to graphics software, but most aren't. Do you have any software pet peeves? Come tell us about them in the discussion forum.
1) Absence of Printed Documentation
If I pay $100 or more for a piece of software, there had better be a hard copy printed manual with it and preferably tutorials too. Less expensive software can get away without a printed guide, but at least give us an electronic version. And if electronic help is the only option, I want it indexed and searchable. Manuals with hands-on tutorials are less boring and more likely to be used.
2) Non-Standard or "Skinned" Interfaces
These gussied up interfaces are all the rage these days. They are an utterly useless waste of resources and make software more difficult to use. Menus go at the top, sliders should move left to right (not in circles), and don't EVER make me hold my mouse over something to find out what it does. Use those developer resources for making the software more functional instead of cool-looking.
3) Changing File Associations
Graphics programs are notorious for it... taking over default file associations without asking. Installing a program does not mean I want it to be the program that opens for ALL my images. Ask first, make it easy to change, and don't keep asking me every time I use your program. Perhaps the only thing worse than changing file associations, is not putting them back when a program is uninstalled.
4) Fixed-size Windows and/or Tiny Previews
Big monitors are getting cheaper every day. Let us take full advantage of them with fully-sizable application windows and dialog boxes and larger previews. Multiple monitor support is a must for any graphics program. Few things are more annoying than having to move a dialog box that opens straddling two displays on a dual monitor system.
5) Spewing Files Everywhere
Fonts, icons, shortcuts, system files, and worst of all... entire programs that are "required" to be installed along with the program you bought. If you're going to do this, say so on the box. Ask me where I want to put the program files and keep them there. Give me a choice of what fonts to install. And I only need one icon to start the program.
6) Lack of Keyboard Navigation
Sure, every computer comes with a mouse these days, but have you ever heard of one that didn't have a keyboard? Apparently some software makers have. There's a purpose for point and click, just as there is a purpose for the keyboard. Know which is appropriate and when, and give us a choice as often as possible.
7) Pitiful Packaging
Please, if the software requires 4 CDs or more, give us a decent CD wallet or any kind of holder besides a bunch or paper envelopes. And who hasn't opened a software box to find it 90% filled with cardboard spacers and air? Is there some unwritten rule that the bigger the box, the better the program? Now, if it's actually filled with something useful (see item #1), then it's OK to have a big box.
8) Pestering Me to Go Online
If you must prompt me to go online, do it when I'm exiting the software, not when I just opened it. You open a program to get some work done, are told you need an update, wait to download the update, and then you must reboot your computer. By now I forgot what I opened the software to do! More importantly, give me the option to turn it off. And remember, not everyone has Internet access.
9) Startup/Splash Screens
If your program takes so darn long to load that you think I need to see something to know it's loading, well, maybe you should work on the bloat problem, huh? Seriously, this isn't a major pet peeve, but I do prefer an option to turn the splash screen off.
