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Brett Merkey · 01-20-2017, 08:27 PM

@Diap,
<<Since so many of calibre's own main menu items have the exact same "hidden" menu feature, I didn't think people would be all that confused by the concept.>>

Calibre is a useful software but not a very good example of usability and interface design principles. Objectively, the ALL choice of your fine plug-in is hidden, even if one should click on the odd little arrow. Why? Because the relevant widget item is labelled "Edit Current File Only." What could be very visible as checkboxes or radio button choices are not present. The only difference in choices is shown by a checkmark in front of the label (not standard) and if the user should click on the label (not standard) then even this difference is not visible because the dialog automatically disappears upon user click. See what I mean?

A few visible alterations could remedy this. This non-standard behavior is not a great crime, but it certainly fooled me for a long while.

I think when programmers sweat to create something really useful, they should take that extra interface step to invite the user into the wonderful secret.

Excuse me for pushing my opinion in this minor matter. Interface design was what my many bosses paid me generously for, back when I was into working for a living.

01-20-2017, 08:27 PM	#87
Brett Merkey Not Quite Dead Posts: 195 Karma: 654170 Join Date: Jul 2015 Device: Paperwhite 4; Galaxy Tab	@Diap, <<Since so many of calibre's own main menu items have the exact same "hidden" menu feature, I didn't think people would be all that confused by the concept.>> Calibre is a useful software but not a very good example of usability and interface design principles. Objectively, the ALL choice of your fine plug-in is hidden, even if one should click on the odd little arrow. Why? Because the relevant widget item is labelled "Edit Current File Only." What could be very visible as checkboxes or radio button choices are not present. The only difference in choices is shown by a checkmark in front of the label (not standard) and if the user should click on the label (not standard) then even this difference is not visible because the dialog automatically disappears upon user click. See what I mean? A few visible alterations could remedy this. This non-standard behavior is not a great crime, but it certainly fooled me for a long while. I think when programmers sweat to create something really useful, they should take that extra interface step to invite the user into the wonderful secret. Excuse me for pushing my opinion in this minor matter. Interface design was what my many bosses paid me generously for, back when I was into working for a living. Last edited by Brett Merkey; 01-20-2017 at 08:31 PM.