[Lotus Notes Sucks: Example 28]
Entering a Hyperlink
Problem
Type a web address and Lotus Notes doesn't know the difference.
Let's examine how this is done in Microsoft Word 2000.
In Microsoft Word 2000, you enter a hyperlink by typing it.
You can see the cursor to the right of the letter m.
Press the space bar and Word is intelligent enough to figure out that you entered a web address:
Analysis
If you want to create a clickable hyperlink in a Lotus Notes mail message, it is difficult. From the Create menu, point to Hotspot then select Link Hotspot. What you get is a stupid message:
So in this example, type www.google.com. Only then, on the Create menu, you can point to Hotspot and select Link Hotspot. What you get is a property sheet:
Enter the web address AGAIN in the Value text box. Make sure URL is selected.
Other Observations
- It is possible to create hotspots that don't do anything, because of the way the interface works. That is truly pathetic.
- Look at how the "k" in "HotSpot Resource Link" is cut off in the property sheet. Lame.
User Interface Guideline Violations
- Interface does not use standard terminology. hotspot ? Does this means I need oven mitts?
- Interrupting the user's work flow
- Forcing the user to do more work than necessary.
- Forcing the user to click unnecessarily.
- Forcing the user to deal with stupidity.
Conclusion
Lotus Notes sucks.