Batch convert -- Saving output to a relative folder

[winnylinny]

If the output files are to be placed in a subfolder in the source folder, the folder name would definitely be better placed in a new window to the right of the Source folder radio button, wouldn't it?

But you have to think about this from a user-friendly design perspective.

If you have a text field to the right of "Source folder", it implies to the user "Hm, I'm supposed to write something in here? Can I leave it blank? If I leave it blank, will it use a default folder name? Where will the files go exactly?"

It's too ambiguous.

However, since there are three distinct types of destinations, they should be separated by three distinct options. Nothing should overlap.

Option 1. Dump the converted files directly in the source folder itself where the source files exist

Option 2. Dump the converted files into a new subfolder inside the source location

Option 3. Dump the files into a specific folder in your filesystem or harddrive

That's why I created this "mock" screenshot to demonstrate how this can appear to the user. It's not ambiguous. It's very clear what each selection does:

[cday]

If the output files are to be placed in a subfolder in the source folder, the folder name would definitely be better placed in a new window to the right of the Source folder radio button, wouldn't it?

But you have to think about this from a user-friendly design perspective.

I was, but user0, I think, didn't like having a third box and I am inclined to agree that two boxes should be sufficient, and from memory suggested that a checkbox be provided to select a box to the right of the Source folder box in which the source folder name would be placed in that mode. That would also probably be slightly easier for Pierre to implement, if as hoped he accepts the merits of your overall suggestion.

That should cover your Options 1 and 2, and Option 3 is already covered by the Folder option, isn't it?

[winnylinny]

user0 suggested that a checkbox be provided to select a box to the right of the Source folder box in which the source folder name would be placed in that mode. That would also probably be slightly easier for Pierre to implement, if as hoped he accepts the merits of your overall suggestion.

That should cover your Options 1 and 2, and Option 3 is already covered by the Folder option, isn't it?

Yes, that would make sense.


I misunderstood your previous post because you didn't mention any such checkbox. I thought you meant: "Always show a writable text field input to the right of 'Source folder'"

[cday]

user0 suggested that a checkbox be provided to select a box to the right of the Source folder box in which the source folder name would be placed in that mode. That would also probably be slightly easier for Pierre to implement, if as hoped he accepts the merits of your overall suggestion.

That should cover your Options 1 and 2, and Option 3 is already covered by the Folder option, isn't it?

Yes, that would make sense.

All agreed then, we just need Pierre's support...

[winnylinny]

All agreed then, we just need Pierre's support...

I'm reading a book on how to effectively communicate with others in order to build relationships and long-term partnerships. There's many useful techniques, and it's a great way to cooperate with others. It's based on 40+ years of research in the field of psychology.

I'll try to apply what I've learned in the book to professionally inform Pierre about this.

Pierre... PIERRE!!!! PIERRE, WHERE ARE YOU?!?! LOOK AT THIS FEATURE REQUEST RIGHT NOW!!! NOWWW!!!! RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!

WHY ARE YOU IGNORING US, PIERRE?!?!?! WHY?!?!?!?! THIS IS AN AMAZING FEATURE REQUEST!!

AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!! PIERRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was a technique I learned from chapter 4 in the book. I hope it's effective.

[cday]

A good mockup of the suggested interface would really help explain the idea, I think...

[winnylinny]

Hm, good point.

Maybe something like this?

Checkbox selected

subfolder-option-selected.png

Checkbox deselected

subfolder-option-deselected.png

[cday]

Yes, going in the right direction, or the checkbox and new field on the same line as the Source folder radio button, which I think would be my preference?

What does user0 think?

[winnylinny]

Yes, going in the right direction, or the checkbox and new field on the same line as the Source folder radio button, which I think would be my preference?

The reason I "nested-indented" it underneath the "parent" radio button is to remain consistent with XnViewMP's layout. (A "nested-indented" layout is used in all the other pages and windows for the application.)

It will also be more graceful when a user resizes the active window.

Here's an example of the "nested-indented" layout that is used throughout the software:

nested-indented-checkboxes.jpg

[user0]

What does user0 think?

I thought about something like this:

batch_convert_paths.png

However, the more I look at the explicit approach the more I like original simplicity, cons:

• checkbox at Source folder level (or radio button) with extra relative path name (by winnylinny)
  it introduces extra path_name field that I would avoid.
  Imho this functionality is not that much different from existing 'Folder' to deserve separate control.

• checkbox at Folder level (by me)
  I doubt it adds any clarity, but it introduces some hassle of managing edge cases

I would just use a hint (if bother at all ) + wiki

Worth mentioning few other hint options:
- popup hint (on_hover on 'Folder' label), but have not noticed this approach in use in the app
- there is ? button in top right corner of some dialogs, but I'm not sure if there are plans to utilize it at all

[winnylinny]

I thought about something like this:

That wouldn't work.

It conflates two distinct things together.

The Folder selection (radio button) lets the user browse to a specific folder on their drive or filesystem.

What happens when the user browses to /home/cday/Pictures/vacation/converted and then checks the box "Relative"?

You see the problem here?

Distinct actions and options shouldn't be mixed together, as they not only cause ambiguity, but also can create unforeseen problems.

A "Relative path" is related to the source folder. Hence why the checkbox should be associated with the radio button "Source folder".

[winnylinny]

I would just use a hint (if bother at all ) + wiki

Worth mentioning few other hint options:
- popup hint (on_hover on 'Folder' label), but have not noticed this approach in use in the app
- there is ? button in top right corner of some dialogs, but I'm not sure if there are plans to utilize it at all

That was my original feature request, but I think most users are better served with a clear, distinct feature.

While my workflow has improved after (ACCIDENTALLY) stumbling upon this feature, the purpose of this new feature request is to benefit others. Me? I can just keep using Batch Convert effortlessly because I personally know about this "secret" undocumented feature.

While a tooltip or description can help, it might add too much "clutter" with text.

The checkbox toggle (which allows the user to use a relative folder within the source folder) does not add too much clutter, and even without extra text / descriptions / documentation, the user can clearly understand this option. (It's self-explanatory.)