User Interface Dimension 1 - Ease of Use 8 - The program is a text editor. There are fewer programs that are easier than a text editor. However, it is not as simple as vanilla "Notepad" and it has many extra icons that could lead to potential disorientation. For example, the tabbed files may confuse someone. In some ways, Notepad++ makes editing easier. User Interface Dimension 2 - Navigation 9 - It is difficult to be 'lost' in the navigation of a text editor. The numbered lines actually help in many situations as well as the Line Number and Column Number in the lower status field. Some users may complain of losing track o files by the tabs. User Interface Dimension 3 - Cognitive Load 10 - For almost any standard text editor, there is very little cognitive load. However, in addition to having very little overhead this program actually helps to REDUCE cognitive load on tasks by use of aligned brackets, line numbers, color coding, etc. The number of options are appropriate and may not even be used in most cases, as the program can usually identify which language to color code in. User Interface Dimension 4 - Mapping 8 - The 'mapping' of Notepad++ is fairly straight-forward in that the boundaries are quite clear; it's a text editor. I can understand how a novie user might wish to put a picture into the file (which would not make sense) but the user would quickly realize this program is no capable of such. The menus for the program are adequate. User Interface Dimension 5 - Screen Design 9 - This program adheres to almost all standard screen designs and it seems very obvious to me which things go where and how. Text can be resized in the settings, but it all remains one size. Icon size can by reconfigured or removed completely. By default, their values are satisfactory. User Interface Dimension 6 - Knowledge Space Compatibility 8 - Notepad++ allows users to select the 'language' of their choice for color coding, as well as preferences for line numbers and highlighting. This is where users have 'expert' knowledge to modify behavior of the program. Menus drive the expert's use of the system while standard controls guide the novice. User Interface Dimension 7 - Information Presentation 5 - Although most information available in a text editor is very obvious, and other information is made exceptionally well accessable (such as line number or encoding scheme) other information could use improvement. For example, there is a 'difference' operation which is not apparent in how to use it. User Interface Dimension 8 - Media Integration 10 - Most of the functions are grouped together logically with icons that indicate what that buttons means, the icons are assist the user and form a coherant whole that does not seem to detract the user unless he/she is looking for them specifically. User Interface Dimension 9 - Aesthetics 9 - I think the aesthetics of this program are perfect. I like that it has a grey border area that indicates non-edit zone. The program properly integrates with my windows environment and the color coding is easy on the eyes. User Interface Dimension 10 - Overall Functionality 11 - The overall functionality is better than the rogrammers intended. Although it was meant for text editing and coding, I have personally witnessed other people use Notepad++ for various other purposes that most text editors won't handle.