Opinion
The search for the perfect browser
by Philipp Rüegg
Vertical browser tabs and the struggle to get used to them
2/6/2023
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
A vertical tab arrangement seems to make sense to me. But getting used to it takes time. Many interface improvements forget that increased efficiency crucially relies on one thing: habituation.
On day one, I’m really struggling with the changeover. Browser tabs became popular in the early noughties. This means I’ve been using tabs every day for over 20 years. Dealing with them is deeply ingrained in my brain.
Still, I’ll probably get used to it soon. And if not, I can reverse the setting. No problem!
However, the change reminds me of something that’s definitely problematic.
Software menus, the arrangement of buttons, website navigation: all things that are often and diligently rearranged. Why isn’t always clear, and by no means are changes always voluntary. An update is rolled out, and suddenly nothing is where it used to be, even if you know the program in and out.
As long as I know where to find something, I don’t care if it’s placed on the top, left, bottom, or anywhere else. But I rely on a certain continuity. On certain conventions. For example, that the back arrow is located on the left and not the right.
In the physical world, there are standards for a reason. No one comes along and says, «We’ve made a quick adjustment: screws no longer loosen counterclockwise, but clockwise.»
Of course, new is often better. I probably would’ve learned to type faster with the ergonomic DVORAK layout than with the common QWERTY layout. But now that I can do it perfectly, I don’t want to relearn. There’s no reason to do so. I play a right-handed guitar as a lefty – simply because that’s what I was taught. I once tried to re-educate myself on left-handed guitars. It didn’t work.
That’s why I think it’s good when changes are voluntary and introduced carefully. Especially when they aren’t necessary. The Brave browser has done this well. I can discover for myself whether I can and want to relearn. Bravo Brave!
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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