What is a marking menu?
If I recall correctly, this interface concept was develped by Xerox. Their article titled Contextual Animation of Gestural Commands says that "Marking menus provide revelation, guidance, and rehearsal for zig-zag types of gestures... by integrating pop-up radial menus and zig-zag gestures." Marking menus were developed for use with pen-based interfaces, but I think they work pretty well with mice, don't you agree?
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