As a Windows user, it's a surreal way to install a program(unsung.aresluna.org)
239 points by allenc 18 days ago | 185 comments
tl;dr: Mac apps distributed as .dmg files typically prompt users to drag the app icon into an Applications folder shortcut, using a customized Finder window with a bitmap background as the design canvas. The author surveys creative examples of these "drag to Applications" screens, highlighting varied arrow styles, layout directions, instructional text, and 3D icon scenes, while pointing out gestalt pitfalls in designs that confuse hierarchy or directionality. Notable callouts include Firefox's consistently elegant installer and Inkscape's community-designed backgrounds for major releases.
HN Discussion:
  • The DMG install process is confusing and unintuitive for new Mac users
  • The Mac drag-to-install approach is more intuitive than Windows or Linux alternatives
  • ~Mac uninstallation is problematic because leftover files remain after deleting apps
  • Neither Windows nor Mac has an ideal install method; it's just what you're used to
  • CLI package managers like Homebrew/winget are the superior installation method