UKKOSS13: A university project on calibre usability

[theducks]

I have the forum default editor set to Advanced (and quick reply is collapsed as I never use that option) so I always see the manage attachments, so it usually all happens at the same time .

[kacir]

Originally Posted by Katsunami

Calibre's interface can be pared down to become very simple.
...
I don't like the clutter caused by all the toolbars and icons,

I do something similar.
The first thing I do after installing Calibre to my system is removing all the toolbars (configuring them with no icons) and defining menubars instead of toolbars.

Fortunately this can be done by copying the configuration file to the new system.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Katsunami

I don't like the clutter caused by all the toolbars and icons...

But rather than using the Menubar as you have, I use the Toolbar with Prefs->Look and Feel->Toolbar Icon size : Off. As a result I get the benefit of having the one click default action, and the dropdown glyph to indicate there are sub actions, without the clutter of icons.

BR

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Katsunami

You didn't even give me the chance to actually add the screenshot. Booh

It's there

I have pared mine down also (I also use all 3 menu locations).



I personally think the default Calibre menu/options layout is confusing and too large (literally: huge icons). I think my screenshot shows a much more usable layout, especially if the plugins are taken out.

When starting out, most people only need things like these:

- Create/Switch library
- Add books
- Remove books
- Metadata editing
- Book conversion
- Send to device
- Save to disk
- Copy to library
- Preferences

I.e., the basic "file management stuff," so they can use their books as if they were files, without being distracted by Calibre's latent power. It would be good to provide a short description on where to find and enable additional features, how to add plugins, point to the manual, and/or even point to MobileRead's Calibre forum.

An extremely basic user interface containing only the basic options is enough. Many people won't use more, but if someone gets to the point "I wish I could...," he or she will start looking, and come to the conclusion that they can achieve it.

I have set up a few Calibre installs using the same layout as I show above, but without the plugins and editing features. Calibre exposes very few capabilities to these users, but the ones it does provide, are enough to get people to organize their books, convert them and get them onto the e-reader.

All of those people have been using Calibre for some time now, without any complaints. If they want something that's not immediately obvious or out of their league, they contact me. I'll point them to the correct options or settings using some short instructions, and off they go for another 6-12 months.

If the Optional Menu could be easily hidden/revealed - I suggest via a left bottom corner button with shift/alt/? shortcut - then one could put not often used things into it. If that could be done then I'd also suggest an option be provided to position the Optional Toolbar under the main one rather than the bottom. That might also sidestep Katsunami's hiccup with the Favourites PI.

BR

[Katsunami]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

That might also sidestep Katsunami's hiccup with the Favourites PI.

BR

I don't understand this comment. Why would that solve the problem with this plugin?

I have tried the Favorites plugin several times, but every time I do, Calibre becomes unreliable. At some random point when clicking 'Favorites' to get to one of the plugins, Calibre will crash. It might take 5 clicks, 10, or 100, but at some point, it will crash.

Removing the Favorites plugin also removes the problem. I did re-install Calibre (including redoing all the settings) numerous times since I first tried that plugin, but the problem remains.

To get rid of all clutter I've put the Calibre-related options into the menu, and all book-related options and plugins that I use in the context menu.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Katsunami

I don't understand this comment. Why would that solve the problem with this plugin?

It wouldn't, but it would provide a similar alternative - 'sidestep' vernacular for what a rugby fly half (little guy) does to avoid front row forwards (very big guys). Verb - To evade, dodge, go around, bypass, circumvent (a problem), avoid (by artfulness), elude (an issue)

See attachments, first shows my Favourites menu, second shows same thing in an iconless optional toolbar, which I'm suggesting be hidden/revealed by an extra bottom left corner button (with kb shortcut), and that there be an option to put under the main toolbar.

So, my suggestion would give you similar functionality to what Favourites is not giving you - me too, because I would remove Favourites

BR

[DoctorOhh]

For the benefit of the OP I have attached images depicting my current calibre arrangement.

Favourites menu (plugin)
Context Menu for books in the calibre library
Main toolbar

[ukkoss_project]

Hello,

here are the results of our usability study. The report presented here is a composition of many different types of usability documents, all of which are available if you feel interested. The idea of this document is to provide the essential findings of our study in a form that is (hopefully) as easy to read as possible.

Feel free to comment.

BR, UKKOSS13 team.

[DiapDealer]

But I already know just how usable calibre is.

[BetterRed]

@ukkoss_project - I note one of the testers made a comment they would have been happier if Calibre had been presented in Finnish rather than English. Translations are done by volunteers, maybe someone fluent in Finnish on the UKOSS team or a Tester would like to put their hand up.

Did any of the Testers watch the Grand Tour and Library Management videos, IMO they should be pre-req's to installing calibre. Although they're a bit out of date in the details, they cover the essentials extremely well ==>> https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=118596

Whilst, some of your UI suggestions have merit, there's the problem of the existing user base - 23M installs, and 3.5M active users. The reactions to MS's introduction of Office Ribbons and Windows 8 Metro are apposite examples of the reaction one gets to changes in User Interface of any application.

BR

[Katsunami]

I think calibre should get a ribbon so it fits modern times.

Oh... Wait. April 1 has passed already. Dratz

[theducks]

I also did not see a Age and (tech) experience profile for the testers.

Calibre users range from PHD (not the doctorate type ) to CLI use only.

[kovidgoyal]

Thank you for the report, it has many useful suggestions. You will see some of them being implemented in the coming weeks and months.

EDIT: And just to reassure long time users, I have no intention of making large redesign changes to the UI. And many changes I make will usually come with an option to restore the previous look/behavior. However, that report has many suggestions that can be usefully implemented without making too drastic a set of changes.

[DoctorOhh]

@ukkoss_project Well done to you and your team.

I agree with BetterRed, maybe one of your group could provide the translation to Finnish. Currently there are 38 language/variations to choose from, I was surprised that Finnish wasn't one of them.

Wait until User 5 finds out that calibre is the best software for the job on the Apple platform too.

[cybmole]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

But I already know just how usable calibre is.

they're back !

maybe they want to know how usable their reports are

I look forward to this thread growing exponentially again