Re: gEDA-dev: gschem dialog design

[Werner Hoch <werner_dot_ho-at-NOSPAMgmx_dot_de>]

Hi Peter and all,

On Thursday 14 December 2006 23:11, Peter Clifton wrote:
> Comments:
> (I'm being micro-critical for the sake of being a helpful reviewer, I
>  realise many of these points are very cosmetic and minor.)

Well that's what I asked for ;-)

> Component selector
> ------------------
>
> ** I know you didn't mention this one, but I wanted to add it **
>
> Lovely new dialog, could perhaps do with a _little_ more padding
> around its border and buttons. There are a few bigger usability
> changes which could be made though:
>
> Remember the size between uses. Possibly default to a larger default
> size.

Remembering size, position and contents might be possible for some other 
dialogs, too.

> Text entry defaults to the tree-view, which invokes GTK's new
> annoying search helper. 

Ok. Thanks for that hint.

> The tree is collapsed, so nothing useful is 
> found. I think default text entry should be on / grabbed by the
> Filter entry.

Agreed. Added to the wiki.

> The filter entry would benefit from being a libsexy entry too..
> Having the clear icon inside the entry is clean, keeps the entry the
> same width as the tree-view it relates too - thus helping show the
> user they are related (I think).

I think this is a cosmetic thing, but the libsexy entry looks nice.

> If I filter, then select a component, all is well. But now, if I
> clear the filter.. the tree-view expands its self, it would be nice
> for the list to scroll such that the item I have selected is still in
> view - ideally in the same position relative to the dialog. I'm not
> sure if this is easy / possible, but is sometimes handy.

> I often search for a type of component, then like to scroll up and
> down the similarly titled components near it. I filter, find one
> component, then clear the filter. I then have to search for where I
> was in the list manually.

Tested that. Sometimes the selecte object keeps it's position, sometimes 
not.

> Autonumber
> ----------
>
> What does "Remove numbers" mean. I thought it meant re-number
> components even if they are already numbered, but I just spotted
> "Overwrite existing numbers" under "Scope".

It just does the oposite of adding number. It removes them.
I think, writing some documentation will be easier than make this dialog 
easy to use.

> I don't know what "Automatic slotting" does from the text. Perhaps
> I'm being stupid... as already seen regarding URL links above, I'm
> tired!

Most times the text numbering is a refdes= renumbering. If you have 
slotted parts like logic gates. the option will do the slotting for 
you.

> Somehow the combo box with the text and picture seems too fat.
> Compared to the "Starting number" entry above it (and too close to
> it). Something doesn't feel quite right about it.

Yes.

> Also, the starting number entry feels very empty, lonely and wide
> (necessitated by the width of the combo below). Is there text in some
> other combo option which forces that width?

Yes. The dialog width is determind by the two upper combo boxes.

> I'm liking the indenting, the bold headings. I'm not sure about a
> horizontal rule before the buttons. I think I'd need to see them
> side-by-side. My feeling is that good padding is most important.

Yes some but not too much.
The border around all widgets is 16 pixel. The indentation about 20 
pixel. (measured with kruler)

> Print
> -----
>
> Could potentially do with a little more padding, but generally feels
> quite clean and usable.
>
> The filename entry and "Save as" button are too close (and the field
> isn't big enough). Peter B wanted to use a file-chooser button
> initially IIRC, but these are only available in later GTK versions.

Maybe. It's there since GTK 2.4.

> We could use a libsexy entry with a clickable folder icon on the RHS
> to bring a chooser up. That gives space, looks nice and doesn't say
> "Save as"

The shortest thing would be a button with just some point "....". But if 
you don't now it your not able to use that button.
On other applications I saw a "Browse..." label at that kind of buttons.
Maybe the file-chooser button is now available.

> http://www.chipx86.com/wiki/Libsexy#SexyIconEntry
>
> I'd use the folder icon, however I might put it on the RHS of the
> entry.. would have to try and see.
>
> (No flames about more lib deps. please.. we could copy-paste the
> relevant - short, libsexy code).

:-X

> Line type
> ---------
> Width is in what units? Can I have a spin button, or a preview of the
> line?

In gschem units, of course. Whatever that is. Some say it mils.

> Line type could have a drop-down list of example lines. Graphical is
> the way forward when editing properties for a graphic object IMHO.

Agreed.

> Dash length and space.. again, what units? Spin buttons would be
> nice, and also a preview.

The text entry contains "*unmodified*" if you selected more than one 
object. IIRC spin buttons only contain numbers.

> > I think that spacings and indentations are too large, even if I
> > think indentation and spacings and element alignments are good.
>
> Sometimes, perhaps, but I expect we may disagree slightly on this
> point. I guess it depends what you're used to, and how many pixels
> you have on your screen.

Not enough. Dialogs that are always open eat up some space. That's why I 
like the component selector dialog. It looks good without wasting to 
much space for borders, ....

I've added some of your hints to the wiki, thanks.

Regards
Werner



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