I want to improve the retro-ness and the coolness of this CLI (command-line interface) for a web app. I just want it to give the user the experience of typing into a 1980s library terminal, at, say, the library of congress. Something with a basic front, but awesome power / or lots of information behind it.
The example I would like suggestions for how to achieve this is here http://jsfiddle.net/4Aq4A/6/
I am inspired by these kind of green-screen memories from my 1980s childhood, and by memories evoked by sites like http://textfiles.com and http://assembler.org
As much as possible I want to convey this experience with a few simple, direct strokes while leaving the Apple-style menu bar in place - I got brave.
UPDATES:
Okay, as per suggestions I have added the block cursor, and removed fancy menu and scroll bars. I also like scan lines, network activity, and the idea that it is not about a command prompt. But if it is not a command prompt, what is it? And what actually is a scan line?
Additional clarification. The items the user is asked to create [and the actions they are asked to perform] are:
- Data Points and Action Points. [click on web page, then annotate via UX in the box]
- Packages. Has one or more 1. [created by interaction with the box]
- Iterables. Has one or more 2. [created by interaction with the box]
- Collection Script. Has one or more 3.
The other action a user can take is, when they are happy with their "Collection Script", which is a list of iterables, which in turn contain packages, which in turn contain data and action points, they can submit it to our server for processing.
You all really understood the retro look. I would like your suggestions for improving the form and function further, given this more detailed functionality. I think I am leaning toward the Dynix style of user interface, with scan lines, and a little sound. I really like those highlighted menu items that one can cursor around.