PCGen Wiki - User contributions [en]

Inventory

2010-07-28T00:21:17Z

Tornotlukin:

=Introduction=
This page is part of the [[UI_Overhaul]] project.

===Screen Shots Updated 7/26/2010===

==The Equip Tab==

===''Left Panels''===

These panels contain purchased equipment on the top left and the item description on the bottom left. Starting from the top of the pane we have the List View dropdown and the filter input. In the middle there is the equipment your character owns and at the bottom is the Equip buttons.

====Equip View====

*'''Full Listing:''' This will show you all items, whether they are equipped or not.

*'''Unequipped:''' This will show only the unequipped items. When you equip an item, it will disappear from the list.

*'''Equipped:''' This will show only the equipped items. When you unequip an item, it will disappear from the list.

====Filter====
This input box works the same.

====Owned Equipment List====
*Icons indicate type/group of item (Bladed weapons be a sword icon, blunt weapons get a club/mace icon, rings get a ring icon, all armor get the same icon, etc.)

*Items that are bold are currently equipped.

*Selecting (or multi-selecting) items creates a high contrast bar to go over the item row, this also inverses the color of the type.

====Equip Buttons====
*Unequip Selected: Any selected items will unequip.

*Unequip All: All items get unequipped, selected or not.

*Equip Selected: Any selected items will equip.

====Item Description====
*Selected items' info is shown in this pane. If multiple items are selected the description pane will show info for each selected item. The item's icon will act as a bullet point to clearly separate each item entry.

===''Right Panel''===

The top of this panel contains the drop down for the different equipment sets, the weight total and buttons to view the equipped list in external programs. The middle contains heading of the major equippable locations on the character: Head, Body, Arms, Special, and Not Carried. At the bottom, there is a total weight entry.

====Equip Set====
*Shows current equipment set as a drop down. This allows for quick switch from set to set.
*'''New Button:''' Add a new set to the list.
*'''Remove Button:''' Deletes a set from the list (does not delete actual equipment)

====Weight====
*shows the current weight, the current load of the character and their max carrying weight.

====Template Buttons====
*Export Template, View in Browser, Export to File and Set Note: work the same as before.

====Equippable Areas====
*'''Head:''' Anything equipped to the head goes here, such as items on the eyes, ears, head and neck.

*'''Body:''' Anything equipped to the body goes here, such as armors, clothing, capes and backpacks.

*'''Arms:''' Anything equipped to the arms and hands go here, such as bracers, bracelets, rings, even equipped weapons go here.

*'''Legs:''' Anything equipped to the legs and waist go here, such as belts, girdles, belt pouches, pants, boots, and anklets.

*'''Special:''' Anything that doesn't go on to any specific body part but that also doesn't take up an equippable slot. Items like Ioun Stones and tattoos, or if the character has items that equip on unique anatomy, such as a tail.

*'''Carried:''' Weapons and Items that are being held by the character but are not equipped or in any containers.

*'''Not Carried:''' Mounts and followers go in this category. These items can be containers or can hold containers.

===Let's Equip Something!===

====Click and Drag one item====
*Select an item and drag it to its corresponding area. If it doesn't belong there it will get equipped to a free correct slot for you. If the slots are covered then the item gets put in the "Carried" category.
*If this is a weapon you will get a weapon location pop-up (one hand, both hands, off hand, etc.) when you drop the weapon into the Arms section.

====Click and Drag multiple====

*Select your items and drag to the right side, if there are slots free they will auto equip. Pop-ups will appear if needed and any item that cannot be equipped will be put in the "Carried" category.

====Dragging Stuff Into Containers====
*Select your items and drag over a container item, if there is room, the items will be placed inside. Pop-ups will appear if needed and any item that cannot be stored in the container will be put in the "Carried" category.

====Pressing Equip Selected Button====
*Any selected items on the list will fill any free slots they can go into. Pop-ups will appear if needed and any item that cannot be stored in the container will be put in the "Carried" category.

*You can also move items into container by selecting a one on the right side. Then select items from the left side and press the Equip Selected button. The selected items go into the container. Pop-ups will appear if needed and any item that cannot be stored in the container will be put in the "Carried" category.

====Unequipped Selected Button====
*Pressing this will unequip whatever is selected (even multiple items.)

====Unequip All Button====
-All items owned will be unequipped. Pressing this will give you an "are you sure" popup.

[[User:Tornotlukin|Tornotlukin]] 00:21, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

* John C to add comments here: [July 26th, 2010]

[File:PCGEN-INV-EQUIP3.jpg] placeholder to activate after John's comment

===Screen Shots Updated 7/6/2010===

[[File:PCGEN-INV-EQUIP2a.jpg]]

* The next Screenshot is using the Check Marks, which replace the Icon, as Conor Suggested.

[[File:PCGEN-INV-EQUIP2b.jpg]]

==Screen Shots for Discussion==

This was the Meeting Discussion Screen Shot Pre July 6th

[[File:Inventoryv2.jpg]]

==Discussion 6/26/2010==

Please note these are rough notes taken during a Voice Conference. This is not verbatim.

* [1:54:32 PM] *** Conference call, duration 1:58:52 ***
* [2:10:49 PM] James Dempsey: http://www.pcgen-test.org/cdomui/download.html
* [2:23:58 PM] Andrew Maitland: Typing notes
* [2:24:00 PM] Andrew Maitland: :)
* [2:24:55 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Inventory Screen.
* [2:25:05 PM] Andrew Maitland: New Version has better Performance
* [2:25:22 PM] Andrew Maitland: Drag and Drop - Be a nice fit/ more organic for people
* [2:25:47 PM] Andrew Maitland: Can use Left/Right Arrow to move items from Pane to Pane. Look to phase out the Buttons...
* [2:26:07 PM] Andrew Maitland: JAMES - Leave Buttons in for people; makes it easier to have more options
* [2:26:22 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Make buttons smaller and keep
* [2:26:52 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Ver. 5.16 has four panels - bottom right panel moved to current right panel.
* [2:26:59 PM] Andrew Maitland: See V2 of the Jpg
* [2:27:11 PM] Andrew Maitland: Colorwise will be Gray
* [2:27:38 PM] Andrew Maitland: Drag and dropping left to right to equip; vice versa to unequip; and move items around.
* [2:27:49 PM] Andrew Maitland: Wants arrows to expand/collapse contents of contained
* [2:27:51 PM] Andrew Maitland: container
* [2:28:07 PM] Andrew Maitland: Group Icons for TYPES - Belt; Helm, etc.
* [2:28:19 PM] Andrew Maitland: Group of Weapons - Swords will have Swords
* [2:28:31 PM] Andrew Maitland: Picta-graphic and more imagery is FUN
* [2:28:43 PM] Andrew Maitland: List info instead of A Block
* [2:29:19 PM] Andrew Maitland: Scrolling top / bottom better than left/right
* [2:29:36 PM] Andrew Maitland: One direction scrolling is better
* [2:29:45 PM] Andrew Maitland: Bolding for Information
* [2:30:22 PM] Andrew Maitland: JAMES - Panel layout is fine and unchanged.
* [2:31:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: JAMES - Summary Page - Icon area is it's own area - Build up HTML block based upon data; css support is limited though.
* [2:31:24 PM] Andrew Maitland: JOHN - Html Layout - I can Make things as list
* [2:31:32 PM] Andrew Maitland: Can do CSS and HTML
* [2:31:37 PM] Andrew Maitland: JAMES - CSS is basic
* [2:31:42 PM] Andrew Maitland: support
* [2:31:54 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - All you want is Bold, Type Size and a Graphic
* [2:32:13 PM] Andrew Maitland: JAMES - Sending the base for the html/css now
* [2:32:31 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Using 5.17.0 install for the UI demo
* [2:33:01 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor - we can make the instal stuff more artsy if you want
* [2:33:13 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Books are appearing!
* [2:33:31 PM] Andrew Maitland: Pretty awesome!
* [2:33:34 PM] Andrew Maitland: Really Awesome
* [2:33:45 PM] Andrew Maitland: Orgasmic noises coming from John
* [2:33:50 PM] Andrew Maitland: :P
* [2:34:00 PM] Andrew Maitland: John is clapping
* [2:34:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: Notes no Round Buttons
* [2:34:23 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor - Needs a new look/feel to support round buttons
* [2:34:32 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Can make a new base skin
* [2:34:43 PM] Andrew Maitland: More noises of affirmation about the new UI
* [2:35:04 PM] Andrew Maitland: James - We're happy and pleased with the new Design
* [2:35:25 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor - have new items we can't access yet unfortunately
* [2:35:32 PM] Andrew Maitland: still need to add languages
* [2:35:57 PM] Andrew Maitland: More discussion of how the UI looks
* [2:37:21 PM] Andrew Maitland: Wrapping discussion
* [2:38:51 PM] Andrew Maitland: Button Discussion
* [2:39:01 PM] Andrew Maitland: Left Side
* [2:39:06 PM] Andrew Maitland: List of whatever you bought
* [2:39:15 PM] Andrew Maitland: Sort Equipment can still be done
* [2:39:25 PM] Andrew Maitland: 5.16 has Not Equipped and Equipped
* [2:39:28 PM] Andrew Maitland: with nodes
* [2:39:40 PM] Andrew Maitland: Doesn't believe the Nodes are needed with the Highlighting
* [2:40:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: Design to have the Icons and make it have a Uniform and square to make click drag is better
* [2:40:29 PM] Andrew Maitland: Icon for clicking, but make the entire line click-able
* [2:40:46 PM] Andrew Maitland: two states to light up' type things in it... arrow button; click and drag
* [2:41:04 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor - Check boxes? instead of highlighting
* [2:41:32 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - I'm happy with either; we can design it to work both ways.
* [2:41:46 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor- highlighting is better in my mind
* [2:41:57 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Color blind enhancement
* [2:42:10 PM] Andrew Maitland: JAmes - You need to work with saturation levels
* [2:42:20 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Light Tone and Dark tone
* [2:43:16 PM] Andrew Maitland: Included a new listing - but may not be possible - Add a location where the items where the items can go
* [2:43:40 PM] Andrew Maitland: Backpack is a container - Body > BACK > ?
* [2:43:47 PM] Andrew Maitland: James - Code can support it
* [2:44:15 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Basic Groups will support any creature
* [2:44:39 PM] Andrew Maitland: Wants items to go to the correct spot
* [2:45:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: James - Not Carried for other belongings. horses, things left home, etc
* [2:45:16 PM] Andrew Maitland: ADD NOT CARRIED
* [2:45:23 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Add a Horse Icon
* [2:46:27 PM] Andrew Maitland: :P
* [2:46:34 PM] Andrew Maitland: Loud house :)
* [2:46:58 PM] Andrew Maitland: Move Weight Allowance from bottom to top.
* [2:47:25 PM] Andrew Maitland: Quantities; add or remove - it stays the same; context menu works
* [2:47:39 PM] Andrew Maitland: Adjust bottom button
* [2:47:47 PM] Andrew Maitland: Add wordy
* [2:47:53 PM] Andrew Maitland: Arrow top left pane
* [2:48:02 PM] Andrew Maitland: Going to throw in description
* [2:48:33 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor suggests different location
* [2:48:50 PM] Andrew Maitland: JOHN - Move the description to the bottom right from bottom Left
* [2:50:20 PM] Andrew Maitland: Discussing the dynamics
* [2:51:41 PM] Andrew Maitland: Dragging right to left counter intuitive
* [2:51:58 PM] Andrew Maitland: INFO Pane top right... but it becomes too wide
* [2:52:39 PM] Andrew Maitland: Equipped set - wide and scrolling
* [2:52:55 PM] Andrew Maitland: info then isn't useful once that happens
* [2:53:18 PM] Andrew Maitland: James suggests Multicolumn
* [2:53:26 PM] Andrew Maitland: 2 Colums
* [2:53:38 PM] Andrew Maitland: John suggests Icon based - sorta
* [2:54:57 PM] Andrew Maitland: *testing*
* [2:55:13 PM] James Dempsey: Saw the test
* [2:55:51 PM] Andrew Maitland: John not sure how to make it work in html
* [2:55:58 PM] Andrew Maitland: technical question
* [2:56:09 PM] Andrew Maitland: html universal or different
* [2:56:17 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor- uses a template
* [2:56:28 PM] Andrew Maitland: James - builds a html dynamic
* [2:56:47 PM] Andrew Maitland: uses IF-TESTs in there
* [2:57:32 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - might look not as good; but we can try. Designwise not feeling right
* [2:57:42 PM] Andrew Maitland: James - Hesitant about it as well
* [2:57:53 PM] Andrew Maitland: Left Side Inventory is a list
* [2:58:03 PM] Andrew Maitland: Right side is objects and drag/drop
* [2:58:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: JAMES - Likes the balance
* [2:58:18 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - That has priority.
* [2:58:35 PM] Andrew Maitland: ANDREW - AGREES
* [2:59:04 PM] Andrew Maitland: GEAR / EQUIP tabs - any chance we can combine
* [2:59:13 PM] Andrew Maitland: JOHN - Purchase / Own / Money
* [2:59:18 PM] Andrew Maitland: Thinks it's too much
* [2:59:31 PM] Andrew Maitland: Have to another pane and room to have gold
* [2:59:42 PM] Andrew Maitland: All the buy/sell stuff and percentages
* [3:00:04 PM] Andrew Maitland: Majority of ROOM issue
* [3:00:22 PM] Andrew Maitland: Streamline is a good thing... but doesn't think it'll work here
* [3:00:30 PM] Andrew Maitland: James - Make them work better
* [3:00:43 PM] Andrew Maitland: Be more intelligent in the Sell
* [3:00:52 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Buy and Equip as well
* [3:01:02 PM] Andrew Maitland: Wants it to work both ways
* [3:01:06 PM] Andrew Maitland: Buy and Equipped
* [3:01:23 PM] Andrew Maitland: So much room with the Right/Left
* [3:01:31 PM] Andrew Maitland: Buy and Equipped button to be added
* [3:01:42 PM] Andrew Maitland: not perfect, but good middle step to start with
* [3:01:57 PM] Andrew Maitland: James - For the Gear TAB
* [3:02:24 PM] Andrew Maitland: Right Click in EQUIPPED Tab - UNEQUIP AND SELL
* [3:04:42 PM] Andrew Maitland: Back
* [3:04:49 PM] Andrew Maitland: PUSH vs. PULL
* [3:04:54 PM] Andrew Maitland: much faster :)
* [3:06:24 PM] Andrew Maitland: Detail not Bolded
* [3:06:30 PM] Andrew Maitland: Titles need to be bold
* [3:09:12 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - Asking about the patch
* [3:18:21 PM] Andrew Maitland: Back to business -
* [3:19:29 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor - brings up JAVA limitation
* [3:19:37 PM] Andrew Maitland: For the inventory alignment and indents
* [3:19:44 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor mentions TREEs
* [3:20:06 PM] Andrew Maitland: Columns need to be aligned
* [3:20:44 PM] Andrew Maitland: John - even if indents - we need the same number of columns
* [3:21:04 PM] Andrew Maitland: Obvious it's in backpack, but we can add in the column
* [3:21:47 PM] Andrew Maitland: Functions of Filters and Sort Equip will remain functional
* [3:27:38 PM] Andrew Maitland: Toggle buttons should have a check mark graphic
* [3:28:17 PM] Andrew Maitland: John will review panels when a new feature is implemented
* [3:28:35 PM] Andrew Maitland: does the team want List or bites... HIT LIST
* [3:28:47 PM] James Dempsey: http://wiki.pcgen.org/index.php?title=UI_TODO_LIST
* [3:31:36 PM] Andrew Maitland: New Right Click Feature
* [3:31:58 PM] Andrew Maitland: but not intuitive
* [3:32:06 PM] Andrew Maitland: Can you attach Art to Mouse?
* [3:32:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: YES
* [3:32:24 PM] Andrew Maitland: Rollover should have new Art to click on perhaps/maybe?
* [3:32:30 PM] Andrew Maitland: JAMES - That can be done
* [3:33:19 PM] Andrew Maitland: Is that a Look/Feel thing Conor? - Manual Rendering - Wouldn't be too much more work since I'm already tracking the mouse.
* [3:34:13 PM] Andrew Maitland: Inventory buttons moved to top - Removed pane and just merged
* [3:35:55 PM] Andrew Maitland: put the path should be part of export template
* [3:36:53 PM] Andrew Maitland: should change the name 'Export Template' to something a little more intuitive
* [3:37:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: Set Note adds details
* [3:37:35 PM] Andrew Maitland: We should remove "Set Quantity"
* [3:38:04 PM] Andrew Maitland: replace with another Arrow
* [3:38:22 PM] Andrew Maitland: Unequip / Equipped
* [3:38:26 PM] Andrew Maitland: instead of remove
* [3:38:46 PM] Andrew Maitland: Included the weight
* [3:39:14 PM] Andrew Maitland: All the buttons are up there/ Add equipped button
* [3:39:53 PM] Andrew Maitland: Verbs instead of Arrows
* [3:40:28 PM] Andrew Maitland: Items - General Icon, Name of Item, Location, Quatity/Lbs
* [3:41:01 PM] Andrew Maitland: only thing indents is first box
* [3:41:17 PM] Andrew Maitland: Align all the columns
* [3:41:39 PM] Andrew Maitland: Add TOTAL Weight listed at bottom
* [3:42:04 PM] Andrew Maitland: Add 'Not Carried'
* [3:42:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: in the categories
* [3:42:16 PM] Andrew Maitland: Expand and Contract for Containers
* [3:42:19 PM] Andrew Maitland: for tree
* [3:42:34 PM] Andrew Maitland: Arrows in front of Name?
* [3:42:54 PM] Andrew Maitland: push things to the right
* [3:43:07 PM] Andrew Maitland: Little arrow in front on items
* [3:43:37 PM] Andrew Maitland: Qty and lb. - Move quantity and weight up top
* [3:44:08 PM] Andrew Maitland: TYPE / LOCATION / QUANTITY / WT
* [3:44:14 PM] Andrew Maitland: Name gets truncated
* [3:44:22 PM] Andrew Maitland: for items in Container
* [3:44:33 PM] Andrew Maitland: Remove SET QUANTITY button
* [3:44:48 PM] Andrew Maitland: Editable Equipset Box
* [3:45:01 PM] Andrew Maitland: Field underneath changes based upon set selected
* [3:45:31 PM] Andrew Maitland: Conor- Case of Drag and Dropping / to Arms / Pop up for Prime / Off-Hand
* [3:45:44 PM] Andrew Maitland: Set a Default ?
* [3:45:55 PM] Andrew Maitland: Box appears?
* [3:46:57 PM] Andrew Maitland: Defaults for Onehanded
* [3:47:42 PM] Andrew Maitland: Collapsible Categories . Arrows Up/Down to open entire section
* [3:48:07 PM] Andrew Maitland: Java TREE
* [3:48:37 PM] Andrew Maitland: Titles remain nice and big and Bold
* [3:49:35 PM] Andrew Maitland: post items on the wiki
* [3:53:00 PM] Andrew Maitland: Icon rework

Talk:UI Overhaul

2009-12-13T20:18:19Z

Tornotlukin: Addition of new layouts

== PC Gen UI Discussion ==

''Using PCGen 5.16 for reference.''

'''Concept:'''
Set up groups of information in columns and have the user work from left to right. Consider the user as making a character in D&D 3.5.

I haven't seen the newest alpha build of PCGen yet. So, I may be be commenting on stuff that is already addressed. I love this program, It has been very helpful for keeping track of my player characters and quick NPC creation. There is a bit of a learning curve that goes into using it. Ease of use for the starting user should not be our only concern, we can find a layout that can be intuitive to the new user as well as the experienced one.

One thing I suggest is putting similar information and ideas in the same area. This is done in large part to the Tabs along the top. Then it seems that the information within those tabs are scattered throughout the panels. This is most apparent in the Summary and Feats & Abilities Tabs. Where the order of what you need to do to start making your character is not apparent. You have the character name up top with important inputs like Alignment, Race and Class. Then you have the Level Input right under it. This is problematic because, in PCGen, you need to stat out your character before you give it a class or level and the Stat block is under all that info. This layout makes it seem you do all that first, then you do your stats, because most users read from left to right, top to bottom.

<table><tr><td>
[[File:Summary-screen-03.gif|200px|thumb|left|Summary Tab B]]
12/13/2009 - I took the layout a step further by also grouping the inputs with a holding shape, similar to already exists in PCGen. Now there are three distinct parts to this tab: Character Basics, Statistics, and Class & Level. If possible, I would also include a button in the Character Basics and Class & Level sections that would jump the user to the Description and Class tabs respectively.
</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>
[[File:Summary-screen-02.gif|200px|thumb|left|Summary Tab A]]
12/13/2009 - This time around I used Andrew's suggestion and moved the XP over to where the Class is selected. While working on this it gave me an idea to balance out the columns better. I still wanted the character and class info to be separate and wanted the user to work from left to right in the order of, character info, stats, then class.
</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>
[[File:Summary-screen.gif|200px|thumb|left|OLD - Summary Tab]]
12/10/2009 - The the Summary recreation I moved all the basic character and player info to a column on the left. This would be the info you set first. Like a newspaper, the user would read the first column from top to bottom and then go to the next column. The stat block and related info would be here. The block itself doesn't have to be as large as it is in the current version of PCGen, most stats are 2 digits, and even in my example there is more then enough room to make it larger. Once the stats are set, the user would go to the last column, XP and adding levels to classes.

[Andrew's Comment - I'd like the Info Panel moved to the right column, and bring the Add/Remove Class Level and the Class Display to the left column. As shown the Class is on the opposite side of where you'd click to add it. Seems awkward.]
</td></tr></table>
<table><tr><td>
[[File:Feats-abilities-screen.gif|200px|thumb|left|Feats & Abilities Tab]]
12/10/2009 - In addition to layout, some tabs have large areas of unused or misused space. For example, Feats & Abilities Tab. These sets of Tabs have similar info for the user to parse. On the bottom right of the original layout there is a whole forth of space for a drop down and an input box. Since these two items affect the left-most list, I moved them to the top of the list of feats (or abilities) on the left. I then moved the Feat Info box to the right bottom, and right above the user chosen feat list. This way there is more room for the left most list, which usually hold lots of information. The right side still contains the user chosen feat list, which is typically a smaller list (depending of class and level) and can stand to be a smaller pane to share space with the Feat Info pane.
</td></tr></table>

'''Bullet Breakdowns by Section:'''

'''Preferences:''' 
• right side panel has no scrolling ability

'''Top Menu:''' 
• Game Mode/Campaign should be its own drop down menu

'''Overall UI:''' 
• the arrow buttons ( [>] and [<] ) at the bottom of most of the UI could use more description (some text or an icon) 
• more descriptive icons next to tab labels 
• use less words for button descriptions. (ex: "Generate Random Name" to "Random Name") 
• different panel entries should have containing shapes. (ex: Class tab, HP button stands out, but the more important thing is the number next to it. Same with the saves underneath, the wrong things stand out. 
• by default lets hide any columns that give info that doesn't impact the task at hand. (ex: source column in the skill list, nice to know, but unnecessary for making a character) 
• Sorting drop down options should have clearer descriptions overall 

'''Source Materials:''' 
• "available" options drop down descriptions could be simpler. "tree view" > Comp/Fmt/Setting, "full list" > Name only, etc. 
• Company/Setting and Comp/Fmt/Setting are too similar and don't change the list organization much, consider merging 
• there doesn't seem to be a need to have the right side of the source materials tab to have a list filter, it sould have a list of the books and whether they are loaded or unloaded. 
• the buttons on the bottom right (load, unload all, remove all, etc.) should be in the same pane as the chosen source materials (top right side), perhaps replacing the list filer drop down 
• give more room to the source material descriptions 

'''Character Creation 3.5e'''

'''Summary:''' 
• should be renamed, perhaps Character or Statistics. This tab doesn't summarize all of the character's abilities. 
• consider moving character name (and its random button), player name, alignment, race, create monster/add kit, lang, weap prof & SA, and the race/class info, to the left and ordered into a column. 
• consider moving Levels to add/remove, character classes table, the XP input box (from the Classes tab), and things to be done, to the right and ordered into a column. 
• the stats take up too much room, most stats are 2 digits, so the fields don't have to be as wide as they are. 
• consider moving the numbered stats, the HP button, stat and mod totals, and the statistics box, in the center 
• by making the statistic box larger, you are able to show more information perhaps graphically (ex: including WEIGHT ALLOWANCE, bonus spells from stats, spells per day, etc.) 
• in the Stat cells, the final total should be nearest to the stat description themselves. That total is the number that the user is going to want to see quickly. 

'''Class:''' 
• Give the list of races a 2/3rds of the tab 
• place the XP pane, the current class pane, and the class info pane on the right third of the tab. 

'''Skill:''' 
• consider color coding the column text. (ex. bold black for the final total of skill ranks, red no and green yes for class/CC) 
• consider light lines to separate skills on the chosen character skills. 
• consider moving Ranks before Total. The more important info is the actual ranks. Becomes clearer with information that have colors and/or are bold. 
• "display by" options drop down descriptions could be simpler. "class tree view" > Cost/Name, "stat tree view" > KeyStat/Name, "List View" > Name, etc. 

'''Feats & Abilities:''' (''use feats as an example'') 
• consider moving the Feats filter (located on the bottom right pane), the Feats remaining, and the available Feats list to the left half of the tab. 
• move the selected feats and Feat Info to the right half of the tab.

File:Summary-screen-03.gif

2009-12-12T16:42:58Z

Tornotlukin: Taking Andrew's idea of keeping the class dropdown and the rest of the level and class info together.

Taking Andrew's idea of keeping the class dropdown and the rest of the level and class info together.

File:Summary-screen-02.gif

2009-12-12T16:39:31Z

Tornotlukin: Layout based on Andrew's Comment

Layout based on Andrew's Comment

Talk:UI Overhaul

2009-12-11T03:52:46Z

Tornotlukin:

== PC Gen UI Discussion ==

''Using PCGen 5.16 for reference.''

'''Concept:'''
Set up groups of information in columns and have the user work from left to right. Consider the user as making a character in D&D 3.5.

I haven't seen the newest alpha build of PCGen yet. So, I may be be commenting on stuff that is already addressed. I love this program, It has been very helpful for keeping track of my player characters and quick NPC creation. There is a bit of a learning curve that goes into using it. Ease of use for the starting user should not be our only concern, we can find a layout that can be intuitive to the new user as well as the experienced one.

One thing I suggest is putting similar information and ideas in the same area. This is done in large part to the Tabs along the top. Then it seems that the information within those tabs are scattered throughout the panels. This is most apparent in the Summary and Feats & Abilities Tabs. Where the order of what you need to do to start making your character is not apparent. You have the character name up top with important inputs like Alignment, Race and Class. Then you have the Level Input right under it. This is problematic because, in PCGen, you need to stat out your character before you give it a class or level and the Stat block is under all that info. This layout makes it seem you do all that first, then you do your stats, because most users read from left to right, top to bottom.
<table><tr><td>
[[File:Summary-screen.gif|200px|thumb|left|Summary Tab]]
The the Summary recreation I moved all the basic character and player info to a column on the left. This would be the info you set first. Like a newspaper, the user would read the first column from top to bottom and then go to the next column. The stat block and related info would be here. The block itself doesn't have to be as large as it is in the current version of PCGen, most stats are 2 digits, and even in my example there is more then enough room to make it larger. Once the stats are set, the user would go to the last column, XP and adding levels to classes.
</td></tr></table>
<table><tr><td>
[[File:Feats-abilities-screen.gif|200px|thumb|left|Feats & Abilities Tab]]
In addition to layout, some tabs have large areas of unused or misused space. For example, Feats & Abilities Tab. These sets of Tabs have similar info for the user to parse. On the bottom right of the original layout there is a whole forth of space for a drop down and an input box. Since these two items affect the left-most list, I moved them to the top of the list of feats (or abilities) on the left. I then moved the Feat Info box to the right bottom, and right above the user chosen feat list. This way there is more room for the left most list, which usually hold lots of information. The right side still contains the user chosen feat list, which is typically a smaller list (depending of class and level) and can stand to be a smaller pane to share space with the Feat Info pane.
</td></tr></table>

'''Bullet Breakdowns by Section:'''

'''Preferences:''' 
• right side panel has no scrolling ability

'''Top Menu:''' 
• Game Mode/Campaign should be its own drop down menu

'''Overall UI:''' 
• the arrow buttons ( [>] and [<] ) at the bottom of most of the UI could use more description (some text or an icon) 
• more descriptive icons next to tab labels 
• use less words for button descriptions. (ex: "Generate Random Name" to "Random Name") 
• different panel entries should have containing shapes. (ex: Class tab, HP button stands out, but the more important thing is the number next to it. Same with the saves underneath, the wrong things stand out. 
• by default lets hide any columns that give info that doesn't impact the task at hand. (ex: source column in the skill list, nice to know, but unnecessary for making a character) 
• Sorting drop down options should have clearer descriptions overall 

'''Source Materials:''' 
• "available" options drop down descriptions could be simpler. "tree view" > Comp/Fmt/Setting, "full list" > Name only, etc. 
• Company/Setting and Comp/Fmt/Setting are too similar and don't change the list organization much, consider merging 
• there doesn't seem to be a need to have the right side of the source materials tab to have a list filter, it sould have a list of the books and whether they are loaded or unloaded. 
• the buttons on the bottom right (load, unload all, remove all, etc.) should be in the same pane as the chosen source materials (top right side), perhaps replacing the list filer drop down 
• give more room to the source material descriptions 

'''Character Creation 3.5e'''

'''Summary:''' 
• should be renamed, perhaps Character or Statistics. This tab doesn't summarize all of the character's abilities. 
• consider moving character name (and its random button), player name, alignment, race, create monster/add kit, lang, weap prof & SA, and the race/class info, to the left and ordered into a column. 
• consider moving Levels to add/remove, character classes table, the XP input box (from the Classes tab), and things to be done, to the right and ordered into a column. 
• the stats take up too much room, most stats are 2 digits, so the fields don't have to be as wide as they are. 
• consider moving the numbered stats, the HP button, stat and mod totals, and the statistics box, in the center 
• by making the statistic box larger, you are able to show more information perhaps graphically (ex: including WEIGHT ALLOWANCE, bonus spells from stats, spells per day, etc.) 
• in the Stat cells, the final total should be nearest to the stat description themselves. That total is the number that the user is going to want to see quickly. 

'''Class:''' 
• Give the list of races a 2/3rds of the tab 
• place the XP pane, the current class pane, and the class info pane on the right third of the tab. 

'''Skill:''' 
• consider color coding the column text. (ex. bold black for the final total of skill ranks, red no and green yes for class/CC) 
• consider light lines to separate skills on the chosen character skills. 
• consider moving Ranks before Total. The more important info is the actual ranks. Becomes clearer with information that have colors and/or are bold. 
• "display by" options drop down descriptions could be simpler. "class tree view" > Cost/Name, "stat tree view" > KeyStat/Name, "List View" > Name, etc. 

'''Feats & Abilities:''' (''use feats as an example'') 
• consider moving the Feats filter (located on the bottom right pane), the Feats remaining, and the available Feats list to the left half of the tab. 
• move the selected feats and Feat Info to the right half of the tab.

Talk:UI Overhaul

2009-12-11T02:11:16Z

Tornotlukin: PC Gen UI Discussion

== PC Gen UI Discussion ==

''Using PCGen 5.16 for reference.''

'''Concept:'''
Set up groups of information in columns and have the user work from left to right. Consider the user as making a character in D&D 3.5.

I haven't seen the newest alpha build of PCGen yet. So, I may be be commenting on stuff that is already addressed. I love this program, It has been very helpful for keeping track of my player characters and quick NPC creation. There is a bit of a learning curve that goes into using it. Ease of use for the starting user should not be our only concern, we can find a layout that can be intuitive to the new user as well as the experienced one.

One thing I suggest is putting similar information and ideas in the same area. This is done in large part to the Tabs along the top. Then it seems that the information within those tabs are scattered throughout the panels. This is most apparent in the Summary and Feats & Abilities Tabs. Where the order of what you need to do to start making your character is not apparent. You have the character name up top with important inputs like Alignment, Race and Class. Then you have the Level Input right under it. This is problematic because, in PCGen, you need to stat out your character before you give it a class or level and the Stat block is under all that info. This layout makes it seem you do all that first, then you do your stats, because most users read from left to right, top to bottom.
<table><tr><td>
[[File:Summary-screen.gif|200px|thumb|left|Summary Tab]]
The the Summary recreation I moved all the basic character and player info to a column on the left. This would be the info you set first. Like a newspaper, the user would read the first column from top to bottom and then go to the next column. The stat block and related info would be here. The block itself doesn't have to be as large as it is, most stats are 2 digits, and even in my example there is more then enough room to make it larger. Once the stats are set, the user would go to the last column, XP and adding levels to classes.
</td></tr></table>
<table><tr><td>
[[File:Feats-abilities-screen.gif|200px|thumb|left|Feats & Abilities Tab]]
In addition to layout, some tabs have large areas of unused or misused space. For example, Feats & Abilities Tab. These sets of Tabs have similar info for the user to parse. On the bottom right of the original layout there is a whole forth of space for a drop down and an input box. Since these two items affect the left-most list, I moved them to the top of the list of feats (or abilities) on the left. I then moved the Feat Info box to the right bottom, and right above the user chosen feat list. This way there is more room for the left most list, which usually hold lots of information. The right side still contains the user chosen feat list, which is typically a smaller list (depending of class and level) and can stand to be a smaller pane to share space with the Feat Info pane.
</td></tr></table>

'''Bullet Breakdowns by Section:'''

'''Preferences:''' 
• right side panel has no scrolling ability

'''Top Menu:''' 
• Game Mode/Campaign should be its own drop down menu

'''Overall UI:''' 
• the arrow buttons ( [>] and [<] ) at the bottom of most of the UI could use more description (some text or an icon) 
• more descriptive icons next to tab labels 
• use less words for button descriptions. (ex: "Generate Random Name" to "Random Name") 
• different panel entries should have containing shapes. (ex: Class tab, HP button stands out, but the more important thing is the number next to it. Same with the saves underneath, the wrong things stand out. 
• by default lets hide any columns that give info that doesn't impact the task at hand. (ex: source column in the skill list, nice to know, but unnecessary for making a character) 
• Sorting drop down options should have clearer descriptions overall 

'''Source Materials:''' 
• "available" options drop down descriptions could be simpler. "tree view" > Comp/Fmt/Setting, "full list" > Name only, etc. 
• Company/Setting and Comp/Fmt/Setting are too similar and don't change the list organization much, consider merging 
• there doesn't seem to be a need to have the right side of the source materials tab to have a list filter, it sould have a list of the books and whether they are loaded or unloaded. 
• the buttons on the bottom right (load, unload all, remove all, etc.) should be in the same pane as the chosen source materials (top right side), perhaps replacing the list filer drop down 
• give more room to the source material descriptions 

'''Character Creation 3.5e'''

'''Summary:''' 
• should be renamed, perhaps Character or Statistics. This tab doesn't summarize all of the character's abilities. 
• consider moving character name (and its random button), player name, alignment, race, create monster/add kit, lang, weap prof & SA, and the race/class info, to the left and ordered into a column. 
• consider moving Levels to add/remove, character classes table, the XP input box (from the Classes tab), and things to be done, to the right and ordered into a column. 
• the stats take up too much room, most stats are 2 digits, so the fields don't have to be as wide as they are. 
• consider moving the numbered stats, the HP button, stat and mod totals, and the statistics box, in the center 
• by making the statistic box larger, you are able to show more information perhaps graphically (ex: including WEIGHT ALLOWANCE, bonus spells from stats, spells per day, etc.) 
• in the Stat cells, the final total should be nearest to the stat description themselves. That total is the number that the user is going to want to see quickly. 

'''Class:''' 
• Give the list of races a 2/3rds of the tab 
• place the XP pane, the current class pane, and the class info pane on the right third of the tab. 

'''Skill:''' 
• consider color coding the column text. (ex. bold black for the final total of skill ranks, red no and green yes for class/CC) 
• consider light lines to separate skills on the chosen character skills. 
• consider moving Ranks before Total. The more important info is the actual ranks. Becomes clearer with information that have colors and/or are bold. 
• "display by" options drop down descriptions could be simpler. "class tree view" > Cost/Name, "stat tree view" > KeyStat/Name, "List View" > Name, etc. 

'''Feats & Abilities:''' (''use feats as an example'') 
• consider moving the Feats filter (located on the bottom right pane), the Feats remaining, and the available Feats list to the left half of the tab. 
• move the selected feats and Feat Info to the right half of the tab.

File:Feats-abilities-screen.gif

2009-12-11T01:57:43Z

Tornotlukin: Artist rendition of feats & abilities tab

Artist rendition of feats & abilities tab

File:Summary-screen.gif

2009-12-11T01:39:19Z

Tornotlukin: artist recreation of the Summary screen

artist recreation of the Summary screen