RE: Suggestion about interface
As a user of Evolution, I can tell you that having the ability to combine 5 different email services into one client is very handy. Some of the email servers that I connect to only have imap or a very ugly version of Outlook Express Web (nearly useless on any OS, including XP). And their imap service actually works better with Linux than Windows (go figure). What is the possibility of having the icons loaded on app init? This would allow the users to customize the app icons to suit their needs, whether it be for localization or shear look for the style challenged (you'd be amazed at how many there are in this category - just look at some of the user created themes for the various desktop environments on the web). The mechanism could be similar to other apps with theming capabilities (amarok, xmms, xine, etc). Tobin On Tue, 2007-10-16 at 11:57 -0700, Spencer, Bob wrote: > Steve Magoun wrote: > > Hi Jason, > > > > Using icons instead of text for buttons is certainly an option. I > > went with text because it's clear and creating a meaningful, > > unambiguous icon can sometimes be difficult (especially given the > > space constraints in the interface). > > > > When I worked at Pepper we had the same discussion about webmail. We > > found that our users wanted a real email client - though people will > > use webmail, many prefer a real mail client for a variety of reasons. > > Reading/composing offline is one; others include immature web clients > > (though they're getting better), lack of webmail availability, > > familiarity/comfort with a 'real' mail client, and the ability to > > check more than one account at the same time with the same interface. > > And speed. When I use gmail I have to wait 2-5 seconds for each action. > When I use an email app things rarely take more than 1sec (lookup names, > cycle through incoming mail, etc). Also, if we import webmail (via POP) > then we get all those accounts on the device in one finger-friendly > email app. > Bob > > > > > > > Steve > > > > > > On Oct 16, 2007, at 2:17 PM, Cassezza, Jason wrote: > > > >> > >> Agreed. Could even go a step further and make the common "send", > >> "reply", "forward" etc button just icons vs. spelling it out > >> (especially if there's ever a plan to release in other languages). > >> My big question is why not just assume people that will use web > >> email (and there is data to show that the target Gen-Y user doesn't > >> even use email anymore BTW). But with so many services like Gmail, > >> Hotmail, Yahoo mail, etc - is the purpose of implementing an actual > >> email client app to satisfy reading/composing "offline"? > >> > >> -jason > >> > >> > >> -Original Message- > >> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Rusty > >> Lynch > >> > >> But... I really like that mock-up. > >> > >> --rusty > -- Tobin Davis Confidant, confidante, n: One entrusted by A with the secrets of B, confided to himself by C. -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary" -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
RE: Suggestion about interface
Steve Magoun wrote: > Hi Jason, > > Using icons instead of text for buttons is certainly an option. I > went with text because it's clear and creating a meaningful, > unambiguous icon can sometimes be difficult (especially given the > space constraints in the interface). > > When I worked at Pepper we had the same discussion about webmail. We > found that our users wanted a real email client - though people will > use webmail, many prefer a real mail client for a variety of reasons. > Reading/composing offline is one; others include immature web clients > (though they're getting better), lack of webmail availability, > familiarity/comfort with a 'real' mail client, and the ability to > check more than one account at the same time with the same interface. And speed. When I use gmail I have to wait 2-5 seconds for each action. When I use an email app things rarely take more than 1sec (lookup names, cycle through incoming mail, etc). Also, if we import webmail (via POP) then we get all those accounts on the device in one finger-friendly email app. Bob > > > Steve > > > On Oct 16, 2007, at 2:17 PM, Cassezza, Jason wrote: > >> >> Agreed. Could even go a step further and make the common "send", >> "reply", "forward" etc button just icons vs. spelling it out >> (especially if there's ever a plan to release in other languages). >> My big question is why not just assume people that will use web >> email (and there is data to show that the target Gen-Y user doesn't >> even use email anymore BTW). But with so many services like Gmail, >> Hotmail, Yahoo mail, etc - is the purpose of implementing an actual >> email client app to satisfy reading/composing "offline"? >> >> -jason >> >> >> -Original Message- >> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Rusty >> Lynch >> >> But... I really like that mock-up. >> >> --rusty -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
Hi Jason, Using icons instead of text for buttons is certainly an option. I went with text because it's clear and creating a meaningful, unambiguous icon can sometimes be difficult (especially given the space constraints in the interface). When I worked at Pepper we had the same discussion about webmail. We found that our users wanted a real email client - though people will use webmail, many prefer a real mail client for a variety of reasons. Reading/composing offline is one; others include immature web clients (though they're getting better), lack of webmail availability, familiarity/comfort with a 'real' mail client, and the ability to check more than one account at the same time with the same interface. Steve On Oct 16, 2007, at 2:17 PM, Cassezza, Jason wrote: > > Agreed. Could even go a step further and make the common "send", > "reply", "forward" etc button just icons vs. spelling it out > (especially > if there's ever a plan to release in other languages). My big > question > is why not just assume people that will use web email (and there is > data > to show that the target Gen-Y user doesn't even use email anymore > BTW). > But with so many services like Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo mail, etc - is > the > purpose of implementing an actual email client app to satisfy > reading/composing "offline"? > > -jason > > > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Rusty > Lynch > > But... I really like that mock-up. > > --rusty -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
There will be a need to release in many languages and strings are easily localizable. I'm not sure whether icons are localizable, and images may not mean the same thing in different cultures. There's also a commitment to an on-board email client, although it's a good question whether one is really needed. Kyle On Oct 16, 2007, at 2:17 PM, Cassezza, Jason wrote: > > Agreed. Could even go a step further and make the common "send", > "reply", "forward" etc button just icons vs. spelling it out > (especially > if there's ever a plan to release in other languages). My big > question > is why not just assume people that will use web email (and there is > data > to show that the target Gen-Y user doesn't even use email anymore > BTW). > But with so many services like Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo mail, etc - is > the > purpose of implementing an actual email client app to satisfy > reading/composing "offline"? > > -jason > > > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Rusty > Lynch > > But... I really like that mock-up. > > --rusty > > -- > Ubuntu-mobile mailing list > Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com > Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/ > listinfo/ubuntu-mobile -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
RE: Suggestion about interface
Agreed. Could even go a step further and make the common "send", "reply", "forward" etc button just icons vs. spelling it out (especially if there's ever a plan to release in other languages). My big question is why not just assume people that will use web email (and there is data to show that the target Gen-Y user doesn't even use email anymore BTW). But with so many services like Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo mail, etc - is the purpose of implementing an actual email client app to satisfy reading/composing "offline"? -jason -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Rusty Lynch But... I really like that mock-up. --rusty -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
Over the last week I have been attempting to use the Q1 to check my gmail, and I agree it is way to cluttered and a real challenge to use without a stylus. I haven't really said anything because to be honest I don't know exactly how to fix the UI. (I just know the current UI tends to make me want to drop kick the Q1 after futzing around with it for an hour.) But... I really like that mock-up. --rusty On Tue, 2007-10-16 at 11:08 -0400, Steve Magoun wrote: > Adilson, > > If you're working on the Claws interface, there are some other things > that can be done to improve the UI. I've enclosed a claws screenshot > and a mockup of a simpler but fully-functional interface. > > Some things to note: > * Text-only buttons to save space (icons + text can be too big). > * Cut-down set of widgets/menus: our target user doesn't need loads > of options. > * Cleaner UI: The claws UI has lots of unnecessary clutter, such as > scrollbars, movable dividers, and rounded edges on buttons/table > headings. > * Changing the message list from a traditional table to a list with > preview saves vertical space by eliminating table headers, and since > the message list includes the first line of each message there's less > of a need for a preview pane. > > > > > Steve > > > On Oct 15, 2007, at 7:55 PM, Adilson Oliveira wrote: > > > Hi. > > > > In my Q1 claws-mail currently looks like the images attached. As > > you can > > see, it has the buttons yet. Do you think I should remove them or not? > > On a large device like the Q1 it is fine, actually, easier to use but > > I'm not sure about smaller screens so I would like your opinions. > > > > []s > > > > Adilson.-- > > Ubuntu-mobile mailing list > > Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com > > Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/ > > listinfo/ubuntu-mobile > -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
Ola, > that can be done to improve the UI. I've enclosed a claws screenshot this is just claws running inside UME,no...it is *not* hildonized yet > and a mockup of a simpler but fully-functional interface. that looks much cleaner IMHO []'s Ian -- http://ianlawrence.info -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
Steve Magoun escreveu: > Adilson, > > If you're working on the Claws interface, there are some other things > that can be done to improve the UI. I've enclosed a claws screenshot and > a mockup of a simpler but fully-functional interface. Hi. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not currently working on the interfaces on that level and changes as deep as you're suggesting will need a broader discussion in my opinion, if we want to create a consistent look-and-feel. I think we should speak about this at UDS. []s Adilson. -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
I like the buttons, but worry about them taking up too much screen real estate. We should definitely test on a 800x480 res screen and see how usable the application is. Maybe a good compromise would be to size the buttons to the minimal size needed by the average finger so they are not bigger than they need to be. Also, maybe some of the non-critical buttons can be removed as it feels kind of cramped horizontally right now. On Oct 15, 2007, at 7:55 PM, Adilson Oliveira wrote: > Hi. > > In my Q1 claws-mail currently looks like the images attached. As > you can > see, it has the buttons yet. Do you think I should remove them or not? > On a large device like the Q1 it is fine, actually, easier to use but > I'm not sure about smaller screens so I would like your opinions. > > []s > > Adilson. > > > -- > Ubuntu-mobile mailing list > Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com > Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/ > listinfo/ubuntu-mobile -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
Hi Adilson, Definitely keep the buttons! Some devices won't have a stylus, so it's important that the UI of each app be usable with just a finger. Our experience is that even on devices with a stylus, users will often try to use their fingers (and get frustrated if a widget is too small). Something else to note about the buttons in Claws - the tiny triangle buttons next to the Get Mail and Compose buttons are too small for use with a finger, especially on a small screen. That functionality will have to be moved or removed. Steve On Oct 15, 2007, at 7:55 PM, Adilson Oliveira wrote: > Hi. > > In my Q1 claws-mail currently looks like the images attached. As > you can > see, it has the buttons yet. Do you think I should remove them or not? > On a large device like the Q1 it is fine, actually, easier to use but > I'm not sure about smaller screens so I would like your opinions. > > []s > > Adilson.-- > Ubuntu-mobile mailing list > Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com > Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/ > listinfo/ubuntu-mobile -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
RE: Suggestion about interface
Just some personal feeling as an end-user. I think buttons are good, they can let users directly access some basic but useful functions, and they looks good for finger touching. :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Adilson Oliveira Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 9:14 AM To: GrueMaster Cc: ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Subject: Re: Suggestion about interface GrueMaster escreveu: > Is this in the current build? If so, I can see what they are like on a > small (4x6) screen tomorrow. Hi. Not yet but you can download the patch from here http://launchpadlibrarian.net/10046532/claws-mail-hildon.diff and build yourself. Just remember that it should be built on lpia to have the hildon interface. []s Adilson. -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
GrueMaster escreveu: > Is this in the current build? If so, I can see what they are like on a > small (4x6) screen tomorrow. Hi. Not yet but you can download the patch from here http://launchpadlibrarian.net/10046532/claws-mail-hildon.diff and build yourself. Just remember that it should be built on lpia to have the hildon interface. []s Adilson. -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
Is this in the current build? If so, I can see what they are like on a small (4x6) screen tomorrow. Tobin On Mon, 2007-10-15 at 21:55 -0200, Adilson Oliveira wrote: > Hi. > > In my Q1 claws-mail currently looks like the images attached. As you can > see, it has the buttons yet. Do you think I should remove them or not? > On a large device like the Q1 it is fine, actually, easier to use but > I'm not sure about smaller screens so I would like your opinions. > > []s > > Adilson. -- Tobin Davis Reply hazy, ask again later. -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile
Re: Suggestion about interface
On 10/16/07, Adilson Oliveira <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi. > > In my Q1 claws-mail currently looks like the images attached. As you can > see, it has the buttons yet. Do you think I should remove them or not? > On a large device like the Q1 it is fine, actually, easier to use but > I'm not sure about smaller screens so I would like your opinions. I am assuming here that you mean the "Folders", "Get Mail", "Compose" buttons. Speaking as a user, I would prefer interfaces to be 'thumbable' so that I don't have to drag out the stylus for the most common operations. So, from that POV, the buttons are nice. - Amit 'Not a UI expert' Kucheria -- Ubuntu-mobile mailing list Ubuntu-mobile@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-mobile