-Brading Software Message Board
+--Forum: Mp3/Tag Studio Suggestions
+---Topic: Tab interface started by Emmanuel
Posted by: Emmanuel on Feb. 05 2003,15:04
I am always confused using MP3 tag studio's tabs. Because there are 2 rows of tabs and the tab titles look alike it is cofusing to find the one you need.
Maybe it is possible to use a single row with back and forth buttons, but even better is the use of colors/icons describing the task on each tab. Maybe an interface like Winamp's Preferences dialog box is a nice alternative to these tabs.
here is some information on tab using
< http://www.umlchina.com/GUI/Tab.htm >
Posted by: Magnus Brading on Feb. 05 2003,16:46
I would rather have only one row of tabs myself too, but this would be practically impossible if I want to keep the descriptive texts. My own experience with "icon only" navigation is that for all but elementary descriptions it is practically impossible to design intuitive icons that are not forgotten after a pause with using the program. I think icons + text is the best, but it takes even more space than text only, so that's why I'm not using that. And yes, tabs can be misused gravely, but I don't think that this is the case in Mp3/Tag Studio.
About the Winamp preferences dialog, doesn't is look practically like the settings dialog in Mp3/Tag Studio? This is also text-only, but takes up even more space in the GUI? The only advantage I can think of with this is that all items stay in their exact place, while the two tab rows can switch places?
Posted by: Emmanuel on Feb. 05 2003,23:28
Thank you for the fast respons!
---------------------QUOTE-------------------
The only advantage I can think of with this is that all items stay in their exact place, while the two tab rows can switch places?
---------------------QUOTE-------------------
I, and I think a lot of people too, remember the position of objects in GUI's (that's why you can use Microsoft Windows in language you don't know well (you probably know if you have ever tried it) ) and that's the problem with this GUI.
Couldn't you use different colors for each tab or only for the description of the tab.
Because I'm alway clicking the tabs 3 or 4 times before I've got the right one. Because the tab names look alike I can't remember the right one to use.
It would be easier for me if there would be just numbers instead of descriptions, numbers are easier to remember (this is not a good idea of course, it is just to make my point clear)
I hope you will think about inproving your gui because it is a wonderful application.
Posted by: Emmanuel on Feb. 06 2003,00:03
You could make color changing an option
Posted by: Magnus Brading on Feb. 06 2003,00:12
Yes, some more GUI options might be a good idea. The problem is that I cannot easily do anything with the controls I'm currently using. E.g. the tab control does not support having different colors on different tabs, so it would require quite large amounts of work to fix that.
But I'll see what I can do in future versions anyway, thanks.
Posted by: Emmanuel on Feb. 06 2003,00:56
no, thank you
Posted by: Disposable Hero on Feb. 08 2003,13:07
FWIW, I strongly dislike 'back and forth' buttons for tabs. I'd rather hunt for something within a visible set than hunt for something by scrolling repeatedly.
Color-coding for the tabs is an interesting idea. Many people use color as well as position to quickly remember functions. Along those lines, I would argue that making icons that contrast with each other would be more important than trying to make them expressive of their attached function. I choose quite a few functions in Office by recognizing their icons, but would be hard-pressed to tell you what they were supposed to represent
Posted by: Magnus Brading on Feb. 08 2003,14:21
I absolutely agree Disposable Hero, both about the "visible set" and the "contrasting icons".
The reason for why I still think text is needed in addition to non-expressive icons (however contrasting) is that new users will find it very hard and annoying to understand and navigate an interface with only these icons. I have been very annoyed by such interfaces myself many times for this exact reason.
Posted by: Fiddleminger on Feb. 17 2003,04:35
I use TS quite a bit. The tabs as they are work fine for me but I can see the merit in the other suggestions of colors and icons. With a bit of use/practice, the tabs become second nature. I suspect that what annoys many people about them is the way the entire row of tabs jumps when you've selected one from the inactive row. IOW, the function you're seeking can be in more than one location. That's not especially good human factors design, but then, it's implemented that way throughout Windows. If it were up to me, I'd keep the basic tab design, anchor the functions in one spot, and highlight the active tab. But I can live with it the way it is. There are other things, like the recursive search for bad VBR headers, I'd like to see first.
Posted by: Disposable Hero on Feb. 18 2003,07:01
I agree with Fiddleminger's comment about tab 'jumping' - I still find this annoying for a couple of reasons. First, interface elements and control surfaces should not move unless the user expressly moves them, IMO. Second, the reason that they 'jump' has nothing to do with functionality but with preserving a flawed visual metaphor.
Visual tabs are, of course, not tabs at all. They're just clickable regions that control what is displayed in a windowed area. I don't see why they could not be buttons with selected and unselected states. They wouldn't need to move, they would still provide state information, and they could be maintain the size and omnipresence of the tab buttons. And they could potentially be different colors.
I can't think of how to iconize MP3TS functions (or if it's really necessary). Given my earlier comments about contrast being the most functionally meaningful characteristic of icons, I would recommend modelling them after powerups from any given Nintendo game
Posted by: Magnus Brading on Feb. 18 2003,14:15
As usual, I fully agree with you Disposable Hero. The only advantage with the tabs is that people are used to them and the way they work. I might try to exchange them for some custom controls in a future version if I get the time. I'll see what I can do about the Nintendo powerups too.
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