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22 days ago

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.

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