Problem Statement
Entering calculations into the calculator can be tedious when working across multiple program windows. Compounding the problem is when multiple calculator instances are running. Selecting the wrong instance can cause calculation errors, and wastes time. This can be detrimental when calculating prices and margins, precise dimensions, etc. Some tasks are better left to spreadsheets, but for quick calculations, a calculator is optimal.
Many keyboards have a calculator button for quick access to the calculator. This makes calling up a calculator instance quick and easy the first time, but for subsequent recall of the same instance, the button is useless if you want to recall/reuse a single instance.
Create a calculator instance that can launched by hotkey or calculator button, that can be easily recalled without ALT-TABBING or WIN-TABBING through 20 or so windows. The target audience is anyone who requires a single instance and speed. It's common to have a single handheld calculator, rather than a desk full of calculators - as it simplifies working at the desk - apply that to the Windows desktop.
A multi-instance-only calculator, or a single-instance-only calculator is not universally appealing.
My own uses are mixed business/financial, machining and optical calculations, and home/school. The goal is to improve speed and accuracy, reduce error and frustration.
Evidence or User Insights
I don't have so much any evidence or user insight, other than my own use-cases. I have google searched and found many people complaining about multiple calculator instances, and trying to figure out ways to force single instance behaviour.
Single-instance is the way the calculator used to operate. It's no different than having a single handheld calculator. There will be people that want single-instance, and other people that will want multiple-instance, and even some that will want to switch between the two on-demand. It's reasonable to believe that not everyone likes things the same cookie-cutter way. That is one of the things that made Windows go from a horrible user experience to a great one - has lead to Windows 10's success over Windows 8.
Proposal
- State-savable toggle button (1st choice - most visible, most easy)
- State-savable menu option (2nd choice - less visible, awkward)
- Command-line parameter (worst choice - invisible to less-technically-inclined users)
Being able to change the single/multi instance state in an easy manner should meet everyone's needs.
If a button is used (my strong preference):
The wording or glyph representing the option should impart the meaning - such as:
- Single Window / Multi Window
- Dynamic glyph using the existing calculator icon:
---> Single icon = single instance
---> Two overlapping icons = multiple instance
When single-instance state is enabled in one instance, and there are other instances running, the user should be asked if they are sure they want to close the other instances. The default should be NO, in order to prevent the loss of data in other instances.
The question should be answerable using the user's input method of choice:
- the mouse to click on relatively-positioned YES / NO buttons that don't require extreme mouse movements to reach (suitable for ultra-wide display users)
- TAB to change between NO / YES, ENTER to select the choice
Goals
- Adapt the calculator so that it functions the way some people expect or need it to.
- Provide greater customization based on the sometimes dynamic needs of the user.
- Reduce the time it takes to activate the one specific calculator instance needed.
- Reduce error caused by entering calculations into wrong instances.
Non-Goals
Cater only to advanced users familiar with command-line parameters.
Low-Fidelity Concept
It's a toggle button for single instance/multi instance, that also saves the state to the registry, and can close multiple instances. A picture can be supplied if it's really necessary.
A team member edited this comment to capture details from discussion below.
Problem Statement
Entering calculations into the calculator can be tedious when working across multiple program windows. Compounding the problem is when multiple calculator instances are running. Selecting the wrong instance can cause calculation errors, and wastes time. This can be detrimental when calculating prices and margins, precise dimensions, etc. Some tasks are better left to spreadsheets, but for quick calculations, a calculator is optimal.
Many keyboards have a calculator button for quick access to the calculator. This makes calling up a calculator instance quick and easy the first time, but for subsequent recall of the same instance, the button is useless if you want to recall/reuse a single instance.
Create a calculator instance that can launched by hotkey or calculator button, that can be easily recalled without ALT-TABBING or WIN-TABBING through 20 or so windows. The target audience is anyone who requires a single instance and speed. It's common to have a single handheld calculator, rather than a desk full of calculators - as it simplifies working at the desk - apply that to the Windows desktop.
A multi-instance-only calculator, or a single-instance-only calculator is not universally appealing.
My own uses are mixed business/financial, machining and optical calculations, and home/school. The goal is to improve speed and accuracy, reduce error and frustration.
Evidence or User Insights
I don't have so much any evidence or user insight, other than my own use-cases. I have google searched and found many people complaining about multiple calculator instances, and trying to figure out ways to force single instance behaviour.
Single-instance is the way the calculator used to operate. It's no different than having a single handheld calculator. There will be people that want single-instance, and other people that will want multiple-instance, and even some that will want to switch between the two on-demand. It's reasonable to believe that not everyone likes things the same cookie-cutter way. That is one of the things that made Windows go from a horrible user experience to a great one - has lead to Windows 10's success over Windows 8.
Proposal
Being able to change the single/multi instance state in an easy manner should meet everyone's needs.
If a button is used (my strong preference):
The wording or glyph representing the option should impart the meaning - such as:
- Single Window / Multi Window
- Dynamic glyph using the existing calculator icon:
---> Single icon = single instance
---> Two overlapping icons = multiple instance
When single-instance state is enabled in one instance, and there are other instances running, the user should be asked if they are sure they want to close the other instances. The default should be NO, in order to prevent the loss of data in other instances.
The question should be answerable using the user's input method of choice:
- the mouse to click on relatively-positioned YES / NO buttons that don't require extreme mouse movements to reach (suitable for ultra-wide display users)
- TAB to change between NO / YES, ENTER to select the choice
Goals
Non-Goals
Cater only to advanced users familiar with command-line parameters.
Low-Fidelity Concept
It's a toggle button for single instance/multi instance, that also saves the state to the registry, and can close multiple instances. A picture can be supplied if it's really necessary.