Member
2007-12-17, 11:41 AM
Before this thread deteriorates quickly in to too much discussion of other apps, I'll throw in my 2 cents on OF.
I came to OF because I had been using OO for a LOOONG time for this sort of thing.
I like the clean interface. However there are a couple subtle - non-critical ideas where animation would improve things.
I'd like expanding and collapsing tree elements to be animated the way threads in mail.app expand and collapse, it doesn't slow things down, but makes the interface less jarring. When a long list expands, you know why the things below it are now off screen...
I like the dock style of drag-rearrange. That is, have things "move out of the way". This would be great in the sidebar.
You could also have little quick animations of items sucking into projects or folders when you drop them on. While some may consider this candy, it can help you see when you've dragged onto the wrong container.
I think some of these little touches can be done in a way that does not get in the way, but enhances the overall feel.
As an example of where this IS used, look at the subtle animation in the view bar when it is hidden or shown. That is the sort of thing I'm talking about, but that can all come later (There will of course be screams of horror from those who would rather not have ANY flash).
Also to those who say function trumps everything, note that other smartphones can do nearly everything an iPhone can, but nearly everyone tends to agree, its the design and the way things are done.
I'd say I'm %95 happy with OF from a design point of view.
-P