this post was submitted on 31 Mar 2025
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Perhaps I worded this poorly.
In an office settting; the primary use of a wide display is to have multiple tasks/windows open. An email your composing beside a document you're referencing for example.
My main point here is the additional space is there for you when you want it, instead of being missing when it's needed.
You've gotta cater to the lowest common denominator there unfortunately. Things like this are presented in a simple easy to understand format, so that as many people as possible can get started with minimal help. Some people excel and explore the limits of their systems and what they can do with it; others don't get past 'computer basics 101' while using their computers for little more than a web browser.
"you're using it wrong" is a bit harsh. What you're doing isn't wrong, more like "there's more you could do to utilize the technology you have available".
I think you might be missing the point though.
Not everyone needs to multitask in two apps simultaneously. In fact most of the time, most workers are only going to be working on a single application. If that application isn't making full use of the widescreen, then saying "just fill that space with another app" doesn't solve anything. In fact if anything, it potentially reduces the real estate the main app had.
Yes they now have two apps open, but they're still only working on one. They don't "need" the other one, so why not design the primary app or web page to more appropriately scale to the display?
It's got absolutely fuck all to do with "what can the user do to better utilise the technology" and everything to do with UI design.
No, that's when you just accept that there is additional space available to you for when (not if, WHEN) it becomes necessary.
Just because you don't need it 100% of the time, doesn't mean you shouldn't have it for when you do.
This makes no sense at all. UIs are justified in not making full use of a widescreen monitor because at some point someone might want to use another at the same time?
UIs are justified in not pointlessly expanding into space they have 0 use for; leaving it available for other actually useful applications.
When I go to the buffet, I take what I'm actually going to eat, leaving what I don't need for others; I don't just empty the table into a bag knowing full well I won't eat it all.