Suggestions for improving Windowblinds
Monday, October 28, 2002 by pixElated | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
One of the weakest spots in Windowblinds is text legibility. Here are some suggestions.
1. Provide a feature that Photoshop calls "outer glow". This would put a 1 or 2 pixel border around the text and within the open areas of letters like "B", "D", etc. That would make text readable on any background. This would really free up the designers to make more complex titlebars and buttons, etc.
2. Give the user complete control over text - typeface, font size, color, shadow, outer glow, etc. This would also mean breaking the text areas into finer divisions. For instance, right now, if I change the color of menu text, using the "Advanced" button, it also changes the button text. The reason that the user needs control over the text is because each computer is different and each user's eyes are different. No rigid design can possibly suit everyone.
1. Provide a feature that Photoshop calls "outer glow". This would put a 1 or 2 pixel border around the text and within the open areas of letters like "B", "D", etc. That would make text readable on any background. This would really free up the designers to make more complex titlebars and buttons, etc.
2. Give the user complete control over text - typeface, font size, color, shadow, outer glow, etc. This would also mean breaking the text areas into finer divisions. For instance, right now, if I change the color of menu text, using the "Advanced" button, it also changes the button text. The reason that the user needs control over the text is because each computer is different and each user's eyes are different. No rigid design can possibly suit everyone.
Tarkus
Reply #2 Monday, October 28, 2002 11:52 PM
Reply #2 Monday, October 28, 2002 11:52 PM
Yes, I would say quite often, functionality is last on a skinner's mind. It is truly great when an author is able to combine functionality with great style.
Aqua.
Reply #3 Monday, October 28, 2002 11:58 PM
Reply #3 Monday, October 28, 2002 11:58 PM
It may be last on your mind, but not on mine. 
Of course, in my background usability comes above all else.
Of course, in my background usability comes above all else.
Aqua.
Reply #4 Tuesday, October 29, 2002 12:00 AM
Reply #4 Tuesday, October 29, 2002 12:00 AM
Another thing I definitly want is to be able to specify a font for dialog boxes that doesn't affect anything else.
I think better font management is one of the things that could be most improved. It sure would make all those dark themes more readable
I think better font management is one of the things that could be most improved. It sure would make all those dark themes more readable
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Reply #1 Monday, October 28, 2002 8:22 PM
I know I can tweak it, but it's easier to pick another skin.