I've downloaded XnView Sketched and "played" with it for a short while. The effects and results are nice. Sure enough I've found some things that might be improved.
1 - Naming of effects
In some cases, it's not clear what the effect does until you try it. The naming of the effects might be improved to make things clearer:
Black&White --> "Black on White"
White&Black --> "White on Black"
Mono --> Dye (From what I can see the chosen colour is applied on the image).
2 - UI: Space consuming layout
The layout of the user interface could be improved. The two buttons at the top consume a lot of space and in some way one has the impression that these can be used for switching between images rather than switching inbetween effects.
3 - UI:Curved buttons
The buttons for selecting an effect are very large - too large I think. Also, their shape is curved which gives and impression of a carrousel but all that the buttons are used for is selected an effect.
4 - UI: Position of effect label
The label for displaying the current effect should be centered in between the buttons, not above the buttons (consumes some extra space).
5 - "Value" slider
At the top of the screen the name of the effect is displayed, at the bottom of the screen you control the value for the effect using the "value" slider. I'd suggest to repeat the effects name at the bottom, e.g. "Pastel - Value" instead of just "Value".
6 - Sliders: Knob or Dark theme
On Android 2.2.1 the value of the slider is displayed in a bright green. If you have sliders at highest value, the bright green is disturbing. Instead, I'd suggest to have a slider with just a knob for changing the value. Alternatively, a darker, not so bright green should be used to indicated the value of the slider.
7 - Colour selection: Button style
Some of the effects (e.g. "Mono" allow for choosing a colour. The "button" for the colour is just a flat rectangle drawn in the chosen colour. If you happen to choose black you cannot even see it anymore. I'd suggest to add a frame or something to indicate that this is both a button and a indicator for the colour.
EDIT: This is what the screen looks like on a Samsung Galaxy Ace (Android 2.2.1):
This is my first experience/impression of XnSketch on a Samsung Galaxy Ace which has a comparatively small screen. Perhaps some of the issues do not occur on larger screens.
Comments and feedback is welcome.
XnSketch 1.3: [Req] Various Suggestions
Moderators: XnTriq, helmut, xnview
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Re: XnSketch 1.2: [Req] Various Suggestions
So you think that arrows must be smaller?helmut wrote: 2 - UI: Space consuming layout
The layout of the user interface could be improved. The two buttons at the top consume a lot of space and in some way one has the impression that these can be used for switching between images rather than switching inbetween effects.
curves???3 - UI:Curved buttons
The buttons for selecting an effect are very large - too large I think. Also, their shape is curved which gives and impression of a carrousel but all that the buttons are used for is selected an effect.
But the label on the top is centered already4 - UI: Position of effect label
The label for displaying the current effect should be centered in between the buttons, not above the buttons (consumes some extra space).
You would like to change 'Amount' label with effect label?5 - "Value" slider
At the top of the screen the name of the effect is displayed, at the bottom of the screen you control the value for the effect using the "value" slider. I'd suggest to repeat the effects name at the bottom, e.g. "Pastel - Value" instead of just "Value".
Hum, i don't have that on emulator6 - Sliders: Knob or Dark theme
On Android 2.2.1 the value of the slider is displayed in a bright green. If you have sliders at highest value, the bright green is disturbing. Instead, I'd suggest to have a slider with just a knob for changing the value. Alternatively, a darker, not so bright green should be used to indicated the value of the slider.
Pierre.
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Re: XnSketch 1.2: [Req] Various Suggestions
I've designed a draft to show what I mean and what XnSketch might look like:
Original and Draft
___________
Original and Draft
___________
Yes. Currently, the arrows are large whereas the text of the effect is small. This consumes space and thus the arrows don't look as if they would belong to the effect label. Above please find a draft of a more balanced "control" for choosing an effect. The font might be a bit smaller than the one I have used.xnview wrote:So you think that arrows must be smaller?helmut wrote: 2 - UI: Space consuming layout
The layout of the user interface could be improved. The two buttons at the top consume a lot of space and in some way one has the impression that these can be used for switching between images rather than switching inbetween effects.
Yes, the arrows are a bit curved, see above screenshot.xnview wrote:curves???3 - UI:Curved buttons
The buttons for selecting an effect are very large - too large I think. Also, their shape is curved which gives and impression of a carrousel but all that the buttons are used for is selected an effect.
Hmm, as you can see in the above screenshot it's centered horizontally, but not centered vertically.xnview wrote:But the label on the top is centered already4 - UI: Position of effect label
The label for displaying the current effect should be centered in between the buttons, not above the buttons (consumes some extra space).
Perhaps it's just the wording. 'Amount' (English) and 'Wert' (German) are not good terms. Throughout XnView the word 'Parameter' is used, I'd find this word much better. 'Parameter' or 'Effect parameter', or 'Effect strength'. But the latter are a bit long, I think.xnview wrote:You would like to change 'Amount' label with effect label?5 - "Value" slider
At the top of the screen the name of the effect is displayed, at the bottom of the screen you control the value for the effect using the "value" slider. I'd suggest to repeat the effects name at the bottom, e.g. "Pastel - Value" instead of just "Value".
In the above screen you can see the green sliders. When working with images, it's good if the controls can be seen but do not disturb the overall impression. Currently, the sliders' green really pops out and disturbs this impression. The good thing, is that by clicking onto the images the controls dissappear. I guess there is no such thing like a slider with settable colours or slider with just the thumb/knob. Perhaps a custom control?xnview wrote:Hum, i don't have that on emulator6 - Sliders: Knob or Dark theme
On Android 2.2.1 the value of the slider is displayed in a bright green. If you have sliders at highest value, the bright green is disturbing. Instead, I'd suggest to have a slider with just a knob for changing the value. Alternatively, a darker, not so bright green should be used to indicated the value of the slider.
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Re: XnSketch 1.5: [Req] Various Suggestions
I guess the problem of the current UI design is the split of the controls: Effects at the top and effect parameters and other stuff at the bottom. Below please find a draft with all controls at the bottom:
Original and Draft1 and Draft 2
To me, the Draft 1 layout (in the middle) looks much cleaner and is probably better to control because all controls are close together. Also, the effect name and the effect parameter are close together, so it's much clearer what "Parameter" / "Value" / "Strength" does. Last not least the whole layout is more compact - more room for the image.
EDIT: And one more: XnRetro has all its controls at the bottom, too.
Please note that I've changed the rectangle for picking a colour into a smaller square and added a bevel.
Draft 2 (right):
Currently, the colour "button" is positioned at the right of the transparency slider and it looks as if it belongs to transparency, which is wrong, I think (otherwise all effects would have a colour to select). In draft 2 you see the colour "button" positions next to the effect slider. The "Next effect" button and the "Colour" button are a bit close together, this may speak against this position of the "Colour" button.
Original and Draft1 and Draft 2
To me, the Draft 1 layout (in the middle) looks much cleaner and is probably better to control because all controls are close together. Also, the effect name and the effect parameter are close together, so it's much clearer what "Parameter" / "Value" / "Strength" does. Last not least the whole layout is more compact - more room for the image.
EDIT: And one more: XnRetro has all its controls at the bottom, too.
Please note that I've changed the rectangle for picking a colour into a smaller square and added a bevel.
Draft 2 (right):
Currently, the colour "button" is positioned at the right of the transparency slider and it looks as if it belongs to transparency, which is wrong, I think (otherwise all effects would have a colour to select). In draft 2 you see the colour "button" positions next to the effect slider. The "Next effect" button and the "Colour" button are a bit close together, this may speak against this position of the "Colour" button.
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Re: XnSketch 1.2: [Req] Various Suggestions
Okhelmut wrote:Yes. Currently, the arrows are large whereas the text of the effect is small. This consumes space and thus the arrows don't look as if they would belong to the effect label. Above please find a draft of a more balanced "control" for choosing an effect. The font might be a bit smaller than the one I have used.xnview wrote:So you think that arrows must be smaller?helmut wrote: 2 - UI: Space consuming layout
The layout of the user interface could be improved. The two buttons at the top consume a lot of space and in some way one has the impression that these can be used for switching between images rather than switching inbetween effects.
Yes strength is betterPerhaps it's just the wording. 'Amount' (English) and 'Wert' (German) are not good terms. Throughout XnView the word 'Parameter' is used, I'd find this word much better. 'Parameter' or 'Effect parameter', or 'Effect strength'. But the latter are a bit long, I think.xnview wrote:You would like to change 'Amount' label with effect label?5 - "Value" slider
At the top of the screen the name of the effect is displayed, at the bottom of the screen you control the value for the effect using the "value" slider. I'd suggest to repeat the effects name at the bottom, e.g. "Pastel - Value" instead of just "Value".
Here it's your standard theme...In the above screen you can see the green sliders. When working with images, it's good if the controls can be seen but do not disturb the overall impression. Currently, the sliders' green really pops out and disturbs this impression. The good thing, is that by clicking onto the images the controls dissappear. I guess there is no such thing like a slider with settable colours or slider with just the thumb/knob. Perhaps a custom control?xnview wrote:Hum, i don't have that on emulator6 - Sliders: Knob or Dark theme
On Android 2.2.1 the value of the slider is displayed in a bright green. If you have sliders at highest value, the bright green is disturbing. Instead, I'd suggest to have a slider with just a knob for changing the value. Alternatively, a darker, not so bright green should be used to indicated the value of the slider.
But the problem if you put arrow/label on the bottom, is that image view is more hidden (more when you have landscape image).To me, the Draft 1 layout (in the middle) looks much cleaner and is probably better to control because all controls are close together. Also, the effect name and the effect parameter are close together, so it's much clearer what "Parameter" / "Value" / "Strength" does. Last not least the whole layout is more compact - more room for the image.
No draft2??Draft 2 (right):
Currently, the colour "button" is positioned at the right of the transparency slider and it looks as if it belongs to transparency, which is wrong, I think (otherwise all effects would have a colour to select). In draft 2 you see the colour "button" positions next to the effect slider. The "Next effect" button and the "Colour" button are a bit close together, this may speak against this position of the "Colour" button.
Pierre.
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Re: XnSketch 1.2: [Req] Various Suggestions
Thanks for your replies, Pierre.
5 - "Value" slider
6 - Sliders: Knob or Dark theme
5 - "Value" slider
Hmm, I'd prefer "Parameter" because this term is used throughout XnView.xnview wrote:Yes strength is better
6 - Sliders: Knob or Dark theme
I guess this standard theme can be changed, right?xnview wrote:Here it's your standard theme...
Hmm, I don't quite understand: At the moment, effect selection controls are at the top and consume a specific height. When moving the controls to the bottom, the whole image might move to the top and as you can see in my draft even more space is available for displaying the image.xnview wrote:But the problem if you put arrow/label on the bottom, is that image view is more hidden (more when you have landscape image).helmut wrote:To me, the Draft 1 layout (in the middle) looks much cleaner ...
Above, there is original on the left, draft 1 in the middle and draft 2 one the right.xnview wrote:No draft2??helmut wrote:Draft 2 (right): ..
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Re: XnSketch 1.2: [Req] Various Suggestions
Really, 'strength' or 'Amount' is better for this effect, parameter is global. Transparency is a parameter...helmut wrote:Thanks for your replies, Pierre.
5 - "Value" sliderHmm, I'd prefer "Parameter" because this term is used throughout XnView.xnview wrote:Yes strength is better
Not directly...6 - Sliders: Knob or Dark themeI guess this standard theme can be changed, right?xnview wrote:Here it's your standard theme...
Not for a landscape image...Hmm, I don't quite understand: At the moment, effect selection controls are at the top and consume a specific height. When moving the controls to the bottom, the whole image might move to the top and as you can see in my draft even more space is available for displaying the image.xnview wrote:But the problem if you put arrow/label on the bottom, is that image view is more hidden (more when you have landscape image).helmut wrote:To me, the Draft 1 layout (in the middle) looks much cleaner ...
now there is a draft2, strangeAbove, there is original on the left, draft 1 in the middle and draft 2 one the right.xnview wrote:No draft2??helmut wrote:Draft 2 (right): ..
Pierre.
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Re: XnSketch 1.2: [Req] Various Suggestions
O.k., agreed. (When placing the effect selection on the bottom there's another alternative option: There could be no label for the slider at all, since the slider directly belongs to the selected effect.)xnview wrote:[5 - "Value" slider
Really, 'strength' or 'Amount' is better for this effect, parameter is global. Transparency is a parameter...
6 - Sliders: Knob or Dark theme
O.k.. Looks like you need some extra tools/apps to change the standard theme.
I still don't understand: Currently, the controls are at the bottom and at the top and space consuming, image is in the middle. My suggestion is, to move all controls to the bottom of the screen and make them smaller. Image would move a little towards the top. Why should there be LESS space available for an image (be it portrait or landscape)???xnview wrote:...Not for a landscape image...
Perhaps a problem with the browser cache. Or your browser was not maximaized. Or... Again the above screenshots:xnview wrote:... now there is a draft2, strange
Original and Draft1 and Draft 2
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Re: XnSketch 1.2: [Req] Various Suggestions
How about “intensity”?xnview wrote:Really, 'strength' or 'Amount' is better for this effect, parameter is global. Transparency is a parameter...helmut wrote:Thanks for your replies, Pierre.
5 - "Value" sliderHmm, I'd prefer "Parameter" because this term is used throughout XnView.xnview wrote:Yes strength is better
Oracle (JavaFX 2.2 » [url=http://docs.oracle.com/javafx/2/api/javafx/scene/effect/SepiaTone.html#levelProperty]Class SepiaTone[/url]) wrote:The level value, which controls the intensity of the sepia effect.
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Re: XnSketch 1.2: [Req] Various Suggestions
I'm not a native speaker, but "intensity" sounds very good to me.XnTriq wrote:How about “intensity”?
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Re: XnSketch 1.3: [Req] Various Suggestions
Good afternoon...
I have another suggestion. I just stumbled upon XnSketch and XnRetro while looking for a good desktop photo organizer (like XnViewMP). I like them both, but I notice XnRetro let's me start by cropping the photo but XnSketch does not. I really like square photos for when I'm social-sharing. I know that's subjective but that's what I like.
I would suggest to add the same feature to XnSketch so I can make my image square before I start to apply effects.
Thanks,
I have another suggestion. I just stumbled upon XnSketch and XnRetro while looking for a good desktop photo organizer (like XnViewMP). I like them both, but I notice XnRetro let's me start by cropping the photo but XnSketch does not. I really like square photos for when I'm social-sharing. I know that's subjective but that's what I like.
I would suggest to add the same feature to XnSketch so I can make my image square before I start to apply effects.
Thanks,
Version 0.72 x64 (Dec 19 2014) on Arch Linux
Headed for the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning...
Headed for the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning...