Keyboard Shortcuts for the Book

 

Folks,

 

We just had a meeting the other day and are getting closer to the final draft for the book.  The piece I am most concerned about is how best to convey keyboard shortcut information so it is easy for you to use.  Here is the table structure we were originally thinking:

 

Notice the actions are on the left and keyboard settings are along the top.  During the discussion I thought it would be more logical to put the keyboard settings along the left and the actions across the top.  My thinking is that when you use the table you will start with your setting and then want to move right along actions you can take.  What do YOU think?  Do you like it the way it is or with the settings and actions switched?

Comments

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  I would prefer the table remain the way it is.  If the actions were across the top then the number of columns would be numerous. I think the current view is more logical as it is similar to TOC or an index.  I locate what I am searching for then scroll to the left to find the page or key-board short cut in this instance.  It would be nice if you can break it up into section/elements.  Not sure what would be the best way though.

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  I would say that maybe you could refactor a little bit to make it easier to read. For example, each cell in row A (Command Window) uses Ctrl-Alt-A. That might be better off as a cell with table span = 6 with alternates only in the rows where it matters. It would cut down on visual clutter for the user and focus more on what is common rather than what is different.

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  I also prefer the displayed version. I can easily find the keystrokes I'm looking for in the particular version of VS I'm working in.

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  Awesome!  Thanks for all the feedback so far!  You all rock!  :)

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  One more thing: The "two-keystroke" shortcuts (ex. Ctrl + W, A) can all be entered by typing Ctrl + W, followed by either A or Ctrl + A, right? It would reduce clutter if you only show "Ctrl + W, A" and write somewhere that "Ctrl + W, Ctrl + A" will also work.

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  Daniel -- Yeah I agonized over that one for a while.  I just couldn't find a good way to condense that information. Start Page Error -- Wierd on the Start Page extension.  Looks like it is only that one post.  

• Anonymous
  February 07, 2011
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  February 08, 2011
  Daniel -- let me run it by the publishers and see what they say.  Might be worth a shot.  :)

• Anonymous
  February 08, 2011
  Hey Now Zain, Readable shortcuts. Even the other way would be fine. Sure is good content to include Thx 4 the info, Catto

• Anonymous
  February 09, 2011
  I prefer the way shown as well.  It reminds me of a product comparison chart where the columns are the different products and rows are different features you're interested in.  Also, given just a few settings, but potentially many shortcuts, it might be easier to fit on pages in the book.