[Lotus Notes Sucks: Example 20]

Toolbaritis

Problem

Lotus Notes has many toolbars laid out all over the place that you cannot move. I put red lines around those toolbars which are not immediately obvious.

[I blotted out my mail messages list to protect the innocent.]

Analysis

These toolbars allow us to do many things, many of which:

1. have nothing to do with e-mail, and
2. perform actions that I just don't understand.

Notice the following:

• The "notes" at the upper right is clickable, although there is no affordance, such as the mouse pointer changing.
• We can surf the web with Lotus Notes. All I can say is, "No, thank you." I'll use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator—you know, a real browser that has a usable interface.

Don't worry; in other examples, we'll have fun showing you how much Lotus Notes sucks by exploring what some of these toolbar commands do.

User Interface Guideline Violations

• Interface does not follow established conventions, such as allowing the user to move toolbars where he or she wants them.
• Application does many unrelated tasks, particularly that have nothing to do with email.
• Forcing the user to deal with stupidity.

Conclusion

Lotus Notes sucks.

Last Updated: May 5, 2003