GUIs should be fully keyboard-driven
The author argues that graphical user interfaces (GUIs) should be fully keyboard-accessible, challenging the notion that terminal user interfaces (TUIs) are superior simply because they are keyboard-driven. The piece advocates for better accessibility standards in GUI design.
Why it matters
It addresses the ongoing debate regarding software usability and the importance of inclusive design for power users.
Last week I came across a post on Hacker News that encouraged application developers to stop making terminal user interfaces 1 (a.k.a. TUIs) and instead focus on graphical user interfaces (a.k.a. GUIs). The post reached the HN front page and sparked a lively debate in the comments section.
I think there is merit in both sides of the debate. On one hand, I understand the GUI-positive arguments of the post author. In theory, the capabilities of GUI application frameworks are a superset of the capabilities of their TUI counterparts, so they should be preferred. On the other hand, as a heavy terminal user , I also greatly appreciate all TUIs that allow me to “stay” in the terminal and fulfill all my needs.
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