My issues aren't so much what's inside the DAW.  I need help with mic placement, equalization ideas, the best ways to use reverb.  I need a "Stop sign" when I have too much going on in effects.  And any intelligence in mastering is always welcome.
 
I know many people will say "Yeah, it is called 'learning the craft'."  That's true, but even if I understand these things, it is still helpful if the technology can guide me in the right direction.  I believe these "externals" will become increasingly important in the DAW world, simply because there just isn't that much more to do on the DAW internals.

In the end, what may make a DAW simpler to use is difficult for us, those who use SONAR or have used SONAR (or any other DAW) for a considerable amount of time, to say. I first started with SONAR when I got a free version of PLASMA (14 years ago) in a computer music magazine (I had been using Kristal prior to that). So the issues I had back then starting out most likely are not the same ones new users are having now.
 
Perhaps a better approach is to look at the various forums, not just here at Cakewalk, but other forums. Include both those specific to products (like ProTools, etc) and those that are product agnostic (like HarmonyCentral). To do it right, you would need a way to scan for topics on issues when using a DAW, categorize the various topics and then input that data into a database. Then you could query the database to see if there are patterns, both specific to the various software products as well as general patterns seen across all DAWs. 
 
It would be some work, but likely to be more beneficial that simply throwing out ideas. As the old saying goes, "In GOD we trust - all others must present data!"   

Perhaps a link that will appear at startup to take the user to a file (local or internet site) that will show them how to use certain aspects of the software, and make it to where this link can be recalled at anytime in case the user gets stuck trying to do a particular task. I know this would take some effort on the company's behalf but I'm sure a manufacturer could draw a lot more customers if there users, current and potential, could go somewhere and quickly watch a "how to" video. Perhaps they can partner with some one like Groove3 to make these "how to videos" or do it in house. (Just a thought)

1. A less cluttered interface
2. Lots of presets in a well organized, easily accessible library

Larry Jones
Presets. The QuadCurve EQ presets are a good start, as are the project templates and lenses, but more of them, tailored to more genres and types of projects (2-hour narrations, 3-minute guitar pop songs, orchestral pieces, recording, sweetening, mixing, etc). Once the project is open, a whole bunch of track templates for various instruments and vocals would be handy. Basically, any pre-built setups that take advantage of industry standards and best practices, to get the ball rolling. Obviously users would adjust templates and presets to their own taste, and nobody would have to use any of the pre-built stuff, but I think it would make DAWs easier to use if they contained a lot of quick-start stuff. 
 
PS: I know you can make your own templates, but the question is "what would make DAWs easier to use?" Creating a template from scratch is just as hard as working without templates, and almost impossible if you're new at the game.

Presets for sure.
 
Before synths had on-board preset memory, a person would have to know the details of how the synth worked in order to twist the right knobs and flip the right switches (or plug cables from here <--> there). Nowadays, a synth can have an ultra-sophisticated sound generator, but anyone can plug it in, find the power switch, and play many different sounds from presets. When someone later wants to find out how something is done in the synth, they can crack open the manual and examine, then twiddle the settings. If too many twiddles messes up the sound, just hit a preset to get back on track.
 
Computer-based DAWs have an inherent startup complexity involving coordinating various hardware hookups and software installations. There are so many choices for the components of a DAW, it seems hopeless to be able to simplify things in a central way. But maybe the portion of getting the DAW software started and configured could be encapsulated in presets. Sonar has templates for starters, so maybe promote the idea of templates to an easier level, like presets. Presets may not address the overall OP question, just beginner steps. Also, presets shouldn't take over the GUI for everybody.
 
Another potentially helpful paradigm in a DAW GUI would be something like "make this be like that". It's a generalization of "clone" and "copy", but applies to elements or sub elements in configuration. So when you have a project that has a track or bus or sound-chain that works in some desirable way, click on that and apply it somewhere in your current project. Again, similar to the idea of a template, but instead of creating, naming, and saving a template, then loading it in order to use it, just point and select an element, then apply it in a new place, or overlay an existing element. Determining what constitutes such elements is a high-level design effort, and would have to be built in to the foundations of the DAW software.
 
Ultimately, there would be the "me2fx®" region effect: say your words, hum your melody, then click on some existing song you like. Then all the elements of vocal quality, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation, sound stage, and even today's most modern and creative effects would be pasted from that song into your project, overlaid by your words and melody. ( I apologize)

DAWs still generally try and hold onto hardware paradigms where possible. While this is great for us folk who learned on tape machines and old desks it can be a little confusing for new users.
 
So, I would say an interface that can focus on signal flow and "sense-making" of the audio. Something that keeps the basics up front and easy and only exposes the deeper elements as you need them. I'm always surprised at how many folk don't understand how aux sends work, for example. Coming from the hardware world it makes total sense because you literally have to patch it in. But in software, if we could just do a pinch/expand motion with our fingers to designate a split in the signal, which you drag over to an FX square that you then setup to be your Verb return or whatever.... You can trace the signal with your finger and it will probably make more sense to a younger person.
 

That's easy! A neural synaptic interface. You imagine the song in your head and SPlat scores in with 4 part harmonies, full orchestral arrangement and perfectly mixed.
 
But seriously, I have no clue. If you strip down the interface it just makes some options or functions more hidden, harder to remember and to access. Tutorials or trainers eventually just serve to irritate me. They also don't really 'make it easier' they just help to learn complex functions.

Hi No please don't delete it :)
 
I think that Sonar should hit users with specific questions on startup like that yes.  Like taking all the fundamentals of the general instrumental artist.  Which is pretty much already done.  There are certain things I have to repeatedly configure but yet I'm sure I have yet just to learn that.  I've switched from the days of an MPC2000XL to an Alesis Fusion HD synth to just a m-audio keystation 49 and omnisphere.  That's the minimalist laptop producer setup.  But you can't beat the creative power of hardware hands on non mouse musical ability.  The skills you picked up using the old gear and combining it with the powerful tools in Sonar has evolved into a whole newer levels of music production. 
 
I think that Sonar should know and optimize what kind of style of music the user creates,  and incorporate for the various modern styles of music.  
 
LWD

...wicked
DAWs still generally try and hold onto hardware paradigms where possible. While this is great for us folk who learned on tape machines and old desks it can be a little confusing for new users.
 
So, I would say an interface that can focus on signal flow and "sense-making" of the audio. Something that keeps the basics up front and easy and only exposes the deeper elements as you need them. I'm always surprised at how many folk don't understand how aux sends work, for example. Coming from the hardware world it makes total sense because you literally have to patch it in. But in software, if we could just do a pinch/expand motion with our fingers to designate a split in the signal, which you drag over to an FX square that you then setup to be your Verb return or whatever.... You can trace the signal with your finger and it will probably make more sense to a younger person.
 

I like the thinking used here.  I'm not sure how CW could implement this but perhaps an old idea I had as a feature request many years ago could use this idea. A graphic diagram of the routing with editable points to reroute or add tracks, buses, Pro Channel effects, sends, aux tracks and so on. All touchable and pen ready. This could be in a separate window not unlike any other Sonar window. It could also be tied into the drum map. It could be the way MIDI can send to more than one out. I think this could be the heart of the Sonar system, saved and reused for other projects. Now I'm not sure how easy this would be for new users but I think it could solve a great many problem.
 
 

John
A graphic diagram of the routing with editable points to reroute or add tracks, buses, Pro Channel effects, sends, aux tracks and so on. All touchable and pen ready. This could be in a separate window not unlike any other Sonar window. It could also be tied into the drum map. It could be the way MIDI can send to more than one out. I think this could be the heart of the Sonar system, saved and reused for other projects. Now I'm not sure how easy this would be for new users but I think it could solve a great many problem.

Love this idea.
It would really give you a great perspective on where everything is going.