A minor change for increased functionality on Word 2007′s zoom tool

Word 2007 features a new Zoom tool in the status bar, shown in this snapshot:

I regularly use the zoom tool, especially when viewing multiple documents side-by-side. Often I have two word documents open at around 82% (it’s the zoom value that works best for my screen resolution of 1920×1200 pixels) and another document, like a spreadsheet or project plan.

The tool tip for the zoom level (see the ’90%’ status indicator to the left of the zoom tool) says I can ‘Click to open the Zoom dialog box’.

My question is, why can’t i just type the value directly onto the status? All I would need to do is click on the ’90%’ and type a different zoom level.

This post is the first of many where I make small design suggestions to increase the usability of the applications I regularly use.  You might think they are only the ‘little things’, but they all add up.

One laptop per child – worth watching

The One Laptop Per Child initiative by Nicholas Negroponte will have an incredible effect on people and technology, not just the recipients of the laptops.

Read more »