- #1
Loren Booda
- 3,115
- 4
Why the difference?
Why do some people prefer single-click over double-click?
- Thread starter Loren Booda
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around user preferences for single-click versus double-click actions in computer interfaces. It explores the implications of these choices on user experience and operational efficiency, touching on conventions and personal setups.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions the rationale behind the preference for single-click versus double-click actions.
- Another participant argues that double-clicking is necessary to prevent accidental activation of multiple programs, suggesting that single-clicking could lead to confusion and inefficiency.
- A third participant explains the conventional roles of single-clicking and double-clicking, noting that single-clicking typically indicates selection without performing an operation, while double-clicking executes an action on the selected item.
- A different participant shares their personal preference for single-clicking, stating that their setup accommodates this choice due to having fewer icons and often using full-screen applications.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the effectiveness and practicality of single-click versus double-click actions, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about user interface design and personal usage contexts are present, but these remain unresolved within the discussion.
- #2
Pengwuino
Gold Member
- 5,112
- 20
Pretend all the icons on your desktop only requird one click. After you accidently activated all your programs a few dozen times throughout a few days, then you'll understand why 2 clicks are needed.
- #3
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,270
- 45
It's just a convention, of course.
Single-clicking is normally indicates selection. Single-clicking does not perform any operations, it just registers a selection. If you have a window full of icons representing files, selecting an icon doesn't do anything but change focus to that icon. The focus is usually indicated by some kind of highlighting.
Double-clicking normally performs some operation on the selection. In the case of file icons, it opens the file in the appropriate program.
- Warren
Single-clicking is normally indicates selection. Single-clicking does not perform any operations, it just registers a selection. If you have a window full of icons representing files, selecting an icon doesn't do anything but change focus to that icon. The focus is usually indicated by some kind of highlighting.
Double-clicking normally performs some operation on the selection. In the case of file icons, it opens the file in the appropriate program.
- Warren
- #4
mattmns
- 1,129
- 5
I have my computer setup to single click icons to open them. However, I have only a few icons on my desktop, and am almost always in full screen for programs. I like it 
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