I know, most of you would immediately reply "no" to that. But it seems many software products, especially online ones, seem to be forgetting that. I am not sure if I am ranting, but what brought this on? One of my favorite online services, actually. I am an avid user of Bloglines, and I am normally wasting more time than I should be reading all the wonderful stuff that is out there on the intar-webs.
Suddenly, out of the blue, the Bloglines folks come up with a "new and improved" Beta, which I'm not sure it is either of them. Of course you can still continue to use "classic" interface, but I am guessing clearly there is a plan to merge them soon. It 's all Ajaxy and cool, but not necessarily more accessible or simple to read like the former version. It means new shortcuts (some of them, at least) and when I use the Beta and go back to the classic interface, it is like a breath of fresh air.
Inspite of being a geek and having an affinity for all things new and shiny, I am surprised that I prefer a plain-jane interface rather than the gee-whiz Ajax thingy. Perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised. Most of my projects involve a very simple interface, and I don't use Ajax except in the places where it is almost a no-brainer that it will improve the user experience. Say, autosuggest, or things that should be updated on the fly, etc.
Some how, I am still not majorly convinced with the new "rich" internet stuff. Flash, Ajax and similar technologies no doubt make the web a lot more visually appealing, with "all that jazz", but do they make the web a friendlier place? I have my doubts. At least for me, in Bloglines case, I prefer the older, simpler interface.
Is it just me, or do other folks feel the same way too?