Opinions Wanted - Forms/Widget Preferences vs. Controls
Sunday, November 11, 2007 by SirSmiley | Discussion: DesktopX
So, in my never ending avoidance of learning xpath I'm working on a "File Sorter" Widget.
Usually, I begin with a rough script and basic objects that will accomplish things, then plan out the rest after.
Surprisingly, that took less than an hour.At this stage I'm deciding whether to use scripted object controls (Some of Skarns Bits) for user input or to just go with the standard forms/widget preferences options.
Having read a few articles on Gui design, the primary goal should be to make things easy to use and accessible in as few mouse clicks as possible. From a scripting perspective using the standard forms/widget preferences is the easiest and quickest method. Last (but, not least) from a design/skinning perspective using scripted object controls allows for a more aesthectically pleasing widget and additional scripting features such as drag'n'drop, etc.
Eventually, I do get to the question. Was wondering what everyone's (scripters,users, etc.) opinions are on using standard preference forms vs scriptable controls? Does it really matter?
Guess I could upload some objects that use standard forms/preferences under DX Objects. Then the more detailed/scripted controls under widgets. Just want to hear what other people think.
Usually, I begin with a rough script and basic objects that will accomplish things, then plan out the rest after.
Surprisingly, that took less than an hour.At this stage I'm deciding whether to use scripted object controls (Some of Skarns Bits) for user input or to just go with the standard forms/widget preferences options.
Having read a few articles on Gui design, the primary goal should be to make things easy to use and accessible in as few mouse clicks as possible. From a scripting perspective using the standard forms/widget preferences is the easiest and quickest method. Last (but, not least) from a design/skinning perspective using scripted object controls allows for a more aesthectically pleasing widget and additional scripting features such as drag'n'drop, etc.
Eventually, I do get to the question. Was wondering what everyone's (scripters,users, etc.) opinions are on using standard preference forms vs scriptable controls? Does it really matter?
Guess I could upload some objects that use standard forms/preferences under DX Objects. Then the more detailed/scripted controls under widgets. Just want to hear what other people think.
sViz
Reply #2 Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:16 PM
Unfortunately, that is true.
As far as what would be best for the user I'd go Scripted objects > Forms > ActiveX.
I just won't use ActiveX unless I absolutely must or if it will be a small part of the widget that isn't prominent.
Forms I use most often because they are easy and I'm willing to believe that the user is used to the aesthetics of Windows(they actually do look good when WB is running).
But if I were aiming for the best of the best GUI, I'd definitely take the extra time to do scripted objects. I've never really used scripted object controls that often and I can only imagine using them if they were highly functional, i.e., if they made the GUI easier to use.
It all depends on how much work you're willing to put into it; that and if the product is worth it.
Reply #2 Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:16 PM
Make it easy then pretty. THe backend is your problem, they don't care.
Unfortunately, that is true.
As far as what would be best for the user I'd go Scripted objects > Forms > ActiveX.
I just won't use ActiveX unless I absolutely must or if it will be a small part of the widget that isn't prominent.
Forms I use most often because they are easy and I'm willing to believe that the user is used to the aesthetics of Windows(they actually do look good when WB is running).
But if I were aiming for the best of the best GUI, I'd definitely take the extra time to do scripted objects. I've never really used scripted object controls that often and I can only imagine using them if they were highly functional, i.e., if they made the GUI easier to use.
It all depends on how much work you're willing to put into it; that and if the product is worth it.
SirSmiley
Reply #3 Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:50 PM
Reply #3 Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:50 PM
Yeah, I know the back end is really the developer's problem. I guess what could be construed as easy is relative to each user....and perhaps each widget?
My problem with forms is they don't allow drag'n'drop which really limits them.
For example you can't drag a folder onto a folder field or a file onto the file field; so, essentially this results in another step.
I'm not big on ActiveX controls outside of the standard forms & preferences dialog and Skarn's Bits essentially replace most of the common controls for direct use from within the widget.
You know I'm just being lazy and avoiding doing what I know I need to do!
Still I like hearing people's opinions on this. Thanks guys.
My problem with forms is they don't allow drag'n'drop which really limits them.
For example you can't drag a folder onto a folder field or a file onto the file field; so, essentially this results in another step.
I'm not big on ActiveX controls outside of the standard forms & preferences dialog and Skarn's Bits essentially replace most of the common controls for direct use from within the widget.
You know I'm just being lazy and avoiding doing what I know I need to do!
Still I like hearing people's opinions on this. Thanks guys.
ZubaZ
Reply #4 Sunday, November 11, 2007 9:22 PM
Please remit $10 to my paypal account or I'll have Po' create a "work-of-art" featuring you. And no one but skinhit want's that.
Reply #4 Sunday, November 11, 2007 9:22 PM
Still I like hearing people's opinions on this. Thanks guys.
My comment wasn't an opinion. It was a billable Zu-Fact (tm)Please remit $10 to my paypal account or I'll have Po' create a "work-of-art" featuring you. And no one but skinhit want's that.
SirSmiley
Reply #5 Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:13 PM
Where's the logo, huh?
US *cough* or did you want some real money from a Canadian! Ha ha couldn't help myself.
Reply #5 Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:13 PM
Zu-Fact (tm)
Where's the logo, huh?
Please remit $10 to my paypal account
US *cough* or did you want some real money from a Canadian! Ha ha couldn't help myself.
ZubaZ
Reply #6 Monday, November 12, 2007 8:07 AM
Reply #6 Monday, November 12, 2007 8:07 AM
US *cough* or did you want some real money from a Canadian! Ha ha couldn't help myself.
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Reply #1 Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:16 PM