[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:
- have nothing to do with e-mail, and
- 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.

