- Early typists exceeded expected typing speeds due to overlapping finger movements, a phenomenon called overlapping.
- Computers initially had slow, remote interactions, leading to unpleasant typing delays and echo issues.
- Local echo and buffers were developed to improve typing responsiveness, but UI blocking remained a problem.
- Parallel processing (front-end and back-end brains) was introduced to prevent UI blocking and maintain real-time feedback.
- Loading states aim to make software feel fast, sometimes using optimistic updates or delays for better user experience.
- Motor memory allows for fast, subconscious interactions, like password typing or keyboard shortcuts, but requires respectful design.
- Shift and Caps Lock evolved as different modal toggles, with some designs like joint Shift/Caps Lock keys and thumb shift keyboards improving efficiency.
- Good interfaces include features like dead zones, modifier key flexibility, and emergency stops (e.g., Esc) to accommodate fast, error-prone fingers.
- Scrolling interactions, such as Apple's momentum scrolling and two-finger trackpad panning, exemplify fluid, finger-friendly design.
- Design principles like debouncing, spring-loading, and avoiding distractions (e.g., hovercards) are crucial for respecting finger speed and motor memory.