[feature request] Ideas for optimizing UI in the Filelist window section

[AngusPhoe]

Hi Frank,

hope not to upset you with the following. Its really low priority but could improve the intuitivity of user interface.

In the Filelist Section there are - status quo - 6 control elements:

1. Refresh button
2. a file filter selection (drop down) field
3. an EDIT button for the file filter
4. a "Details:" button, that however has another functionality, i.e. switching between thumbnail and file list view
5. a selection (drop down) field for chosing different column settings in the file list view
6. an EDIT button for this selection field (when "user defined" is selected)

These 6 elements make up two rows and leaving much empty space in the top right. See screenshot #1

I could imagine to improve the UI and intuitivity by a) arranging the control elements in one row b) grouping the control elements c) adding und changing the naming of some control elements, see next screenshot (simple UI mockup, bold appearing text is supposed to be the same style as the other text).

When clicking buttons "Subdir" and "Thumbs", their color change to yellow (selected mode)

What do you think?

Kind regards,

Angus

[FrankBijnen]

Hi Angus,

First of all. I'm very pleased with your comments.

Some general remarks:

• GUI should be as user-friendly and intuitive as possbile.
• What that means should be defined by users in the first place, not by me. That's why I like user comments.
• On the other hand; I would like to retain the original layout, as designed by Bogdan, as much as possible.
• Low priority. I agree. Let's first make the subfolders work in V6.3.5.
• But we can brainstorm.

Now in more detail:

• The minimum space for the middle panel needed is defined to ensure that the buttons 'ExifTool direct' and 'Show Log window' are always visible. The actual space left at the top is not as big as you think,
• To make more room, I could increase the minimum width for the middle panel. But that would mean less space for the Metadata/OSM map panel.
• I do agree that the text 'Details' is confusing. It was for me at first.

My thoughts:

• In stead of Buttons with texts (Refresh, Details, Edit 2x) I would prefer speed buttons with just an icon. They are smaller. Especially when translated in other languages texts can grow.
• The 2 Edit buttons dont belong there. They belong to Preferences. You dont want them visible all the time.
• I really liked the idea of adding /s to the file filter. I even considered adding /sn, where n=levels. So /s4 would mean scan subdirectories up to 4 levels. With a button that is not possible.

Frank

[FrankBijnen]

Just an idea. We could use 'dropdown buttons'. Buttons that show a popup menu when clicked, Here is an example what I mean.

Initial view. Using only little space. 'Refresh' replaced by a speed button.

The filetypes dropdown:

The View dropdown. Icons left to the text need to be defined. Note that it would allow switching thumbnail sizes easier.

Frank

[AngusPhoe]

My thoughts:

In stead of Buttons with texts (Refresh, Details, Edit 2x) I would prefer speed buttons with just an icon. They are smaller. Especially when translated in other languages texts can grow.

I would also prefer icons

The 2 Edit buttons dont belong there. They belong to Preferences. You dont want them visible all the time.

Absolutely agree

I really liked the idea of adding /s to the file filter. I even considered adding /sn, where n=levels. So /s4 would mean scan subdirectories up to 4 levels. With a button that is not possible.

I am neutral in this issue.

But what I just discovered is, that the selected file filter and the selected metadata filter are not persistant after quiting and starting the program. I always change these two selections after starting the program. What do you think about making these two selections persistant?

[AngusPhoe]

Just an idea. We could use 'dropdown buttons'. Buttons that show a popup menu when clicked, Here is an example what I mean.

Initial view. Using only little space. 'Refresh' replaced by a speed button.

The filetypes dropdown:

The View dropdown. Icons left to the text need to be defined. Note that it would allow switching thumbnail sizes easier.

Frank

Hi Frank,

very interesting idea. Would there be something like a check mark beside the selected "options"? And referring to my previous comment: in the popup down menu there could be a selectable option "remember latest selection" or so.

Thanks for be so responsive!

Angus

[FrankBijnen]

Good to read we agree largely.

But what I just discovered is, that the selected file filter and the selected metadata filter are not persistant after quiting and starting the program. I always change these two selections after starting the program. What do you think about making these two selections persistant?

It's true that the program reverts to 'Show all files' always, but the 'metadata filter' is saved and restored. If you check 'save File Details state on exit' in Preferences. I see no problem in also adding the file filter.

[FrankBijnen]

Would there be something like a check mark beside the selected "options"?

• I could do that.
• Other option would be to change the text of the button according to what is chosen.
• And if course some icons to display on the left.

Let's keep this issue open for a future version. First get the sub directories working.

Frank

[AngusPhoe]

Good to read we agree largely.

But what I just discovered is, that the selected file filter and the selected metadata filter are not persistant after quiting and starting the program. I always change these two selections after starting the program. What do you think about making these two selections persistant?

It's true that the program reverts to 'Show all files' always, but the 'metadata filter' is saved and restored. If you check 'save File Details state on exit' in Preferences. I see no problem in also adding the file filter.

great!

[AngusPhoe]

Would there be something like a check mark beside the selected "options"?

* I could do that.

* Other option would be to change the text of the button according to what is chosen.

* And if course some icons to display on the left.

Let's keep this issue open for a future version. First get the sub directories working.

Frank

Yes. One step after the other. ;-)