Some UX remarks

[velijv]

General

Even after reading the #documentation #pdf, I didn't know if i needed to create 2 mqtt users, 1 for manager, 1 for panel or could I use the same for both?

Manager view (HA Addon)

Navigation

1. NSpanels - OK, even the logo redirects to same page. Can be removed.
2. Rooms: 2.a. The main link is the same as the first one of the dropdown. Remove dropdown first link. 2.b. Change order - can be in general room manager by drag-drop. Remove link. 2.c. New room - remove link, since in main Room view the main CTA is Add new room anyway.
3. Upload: this confused me. Do I upload it to the manager, and then install to my NSPanel? What is a data file? Is this for beta testers only?
4. Settings: 4.a. Changes to NSPanel settings on this page requires a reboot of each panel to take effect. - can we automatically reboot?

Index page (/)

• the list looks very narrow and empty, with most people having 1 or 2 devices at most

Suggest a grid with "card" styles, quick mockup:

• Maybe still too much info which duplicates each other. If it has wifi RSSI icon, then i can deduce it is online.
• The Actions are hidden under a dropdown - there are only 3 of them, could be all visible, or moved to the individual device page.

Rooms page

• Save and Delete next to each other compete a bit, the delete could be in the corner with just an icon.

Add a light

There are competing options which invalidate each other.

• If it is a switch, it has no "Capabilities" (temp, rgb)
• The Color temperature and RGB confuse me - if I have an RGB light, it also has (in HASS) color temperature changing option anyway.

• The parameters (at least from HASS) can be grabbed and autofilled, ie: <template TemplateState(<state light.kitchen_ceiling=off; supported_color_modes=[<ColorMode.ONOFF: 'onoff'>], icon=fapro:yeelight-filament, friendly_name=Ceiling, supported_features=0, logo=yeelight @ 2023-07-17T19:44:43.869083+03:00>)>

  Individual light control

I don't get this bottom picture at all, it seems almost like a live demo of what i can expect on the NSPanel, but it is not, so what is it?

Clicking on any cell gives this popup, what am I supposed to do?

Single device page (http://192.168.1.xxx)

• Add link to the Manager page (http://homeassistant.local:8000/)
• Add link to the NSpanel inside manager (http://homeassistant.local:8000/nspanel/1)
• Friendly name - since it can be changed in Manager/nspanel, why duplicate it?
• If already connected to Wifi, remove the Wifi block? Same with MQTT.
• Show the same stats here as Manager Index page (Temperature, RSSI), and the actions?
• NSPanel TFT upload block - move to Manager page, since I can't upload the TFT from here anyway?

---

Source: personal preferences and have worked in the area for 15 years.

[tpanajott]

Hi!

I really appriciate your remakrs and will certantli look at them, though it may take some time as there are other more pressing issues before public relase. I really like the "card layout", I'll see if I cant throw something together as a proof of concept and bounce the concept with you if you are fine with that?

Regarding Home Assistant light and automatic capability rekognization, well, it's been in my mind for a few weeks now but I haven't had the time to look into that.

Regarding the individual light control, have a look section 3.3.3 in the manual. The reaseon you are seeing and error on the popup is because all your lights in that room is already assigned to a row on the page for individual light control. This could perhaps be more clear though with a better message.

[tpanajott]

First page in manager container is now updated with inspiration from your screenshot above. It is clearly much more useful, clear and easier on the eyes.

[aaronouthier]

I was just going to open an issue about if the control is a switch, then there are no color controls, but it seems somebody beat me to it. I'm glad I checked for it before posting.

I would also mention, that if the control is a switch, then there is no need to have "slide" controls on the actual NSPanel. It needs to have just a tap to toggle interface here.

Otherwise, you're off to a great start!