User Interface Improvements: Buttons

[EMaerkel]

Hard to see when new to Silverfast:
Although already very small, some of the buttons are subdivided into "subbuttons", launching different functions depending on the edge they are touched. This does not comply with windows standard (Mac probably too) and even when someone has registered this, it is difficult to handle. I suggest to provide one function per button. In order to maintain overview, the buttons should be grouped by function (with some space between groups). In some cases, functions may be combined such as black point and white point: these data may be displayed simutaneously.

<img src="/img/forum/isrd.gif" align="right" hspace="5" vspace="5">Another bad idea is using the buttons as a display for the function status:
It is very difficult to see if a function like iSRD is on or off: The symbols look nearly the same - different colors are almost not recognisable at this size. If you want to continue using buttons for a status display, use well distinguishable symbols like that: function on: symbol as known, function off: symbol with a big cross overlay. The tooltips should be adjusted accordingly (do now have always the same text regardless of the status).

A good windows program has a menu with all commands. Buttons for these functions are an extra for simplifiing access to frequently used functions. This reduces the button count to an overlookable number.
A menu is also a good place to indicate keyboard shortcuts for more frequently used functions (would you search the documentation for this information ?). A compromise would be to show the shortcuts in the tooltip text for the buttons.

Eckart M?rkel

[LSI_Noack]

Dear Eckart

the "good Windows programme" you are referring to actually is a way older idea: the CUA which are part of the SAA (further reading on the topic in Wikipedia).

SilverFast was developed under the impression that human beings are a visual species, interacting with signs better than with text.
The credo in the SF GUI therefore had been justifiable for quite some time not to "run with herd", but try to set a new standard.

If you'd look around in any OS and outside in real life situations, you shall find that it is easier to have certain things always at the same place and have them changed their appearance when their 'status' has become different, e.g. Windows trash can, your fridge empty or full, etc.

However, thank you for your interest in LaserSoft Imaging's software products and your inspiration. We had noticed that many customers had become more experienced with computers than in earlier years, and they are now pretty accustomed to "how" Microsoft does things.

Therefore a next major version of SilverFast is likely to sport the GUI traits you are missing from SF 6.

We also will change the icons so that they are not of static size, but dependent on the screen's extensions and that a user can change their size to his or her personal taste.

Best regards
Sonny Noack
- Manager Technical Support, LaserSoft Imaging AG -

[EMaerkel]

Hello Sonny Noack,

We had noticed that many customers had become more experienced with computers than in earlier years, and they are now pretty accustomed to "how" Microsoft does things.

Well, this might be true, however: if a program is designed to run under a specific operating system, the user expects that it follows its standards. These might be good or not, the advantage is that the user dows not need to learn a new interface. I am afraid that LaserSoft is not big enough to set new standards for this, but I would agree, that gluing on these standards can block improvements. so I accept deviations where they make sense.

Therefore a next major version of SilverFast is likely to sport the GUI traits you are missing from SF 6.
We also will change the icons so that they are not of static size, but dependent on the screen's extensions and that a user can change their size to his or her personal taste.

I am happy to hear that and look forward to the new version !

Best regards
Eckart M?rkel

[LSI_Noack]

Dear Eckart

These might be good or not, the advantage is that the user dows not need to learn a new interface. I am afraid that LaserSoft is not big enough to set new standards for this

We do not take such a big pride in ourselves that we'd fool ourselves in thinking we could ignore the bigger picture around us.

However, it is not easy to change anything without annoying your existing users. As the demand for menus grows, we will follow. It's all about our users, not about any operating system's style, or whatever.

I doubt that there isn't a thing we can make better, so please, group, <a href="http://www.silverfast.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=14149#14149">gimme your thoughts</a>!

With thanks in anticpation and kind regards
Sonny Noack
- Manager Technical Support, LaserSoft Imaging AG -