Quick Source Loading Page

The current source loading page is difficult for new users to understand ands is lacking in general guidance on what to do next. As this is the first thing a user sees it is a significant barrier to usage.

This specification describes a simplified source selection user interface that allows use by both new and advanced users.

User Interface

When launched, the first thing that pops up should be similar to the first time "source builder". It should have at least 4 *large* (200x200 pixel-ish) buttons "out of the box". One is labeled "SRD", one "RSRD", one "MSRD" and each sets the game mode and loads those entire sets (e.g. RSRD Complete) if clicked (single shot, no additional questions for the user).

The 4th button is labeled "Define Sources for this Button". This brings up a version of James' screen that would set the sources for just that button, returning the user to the "source builder" after "OK" is clicked.

There is a small button (vertical size similar to traditional buttons like "OK", and "Cancel"), which is "Define Source Buttons", which allows creation, hiding, and deletion of the shortcut buttons. The screen can probably reasonably handle 8 large shortcut buttons before it's overloaded visually.

There is an additional small button that's "Load custom sources", which brings up the screen James proposed...

One important thing to add to this concept - what happens when you are finished? I'd suggest that either a) You click on a source button and it opens a new character b) You select a source button (so radio button style as in the PowerPoint example below) and then click on New character, load character or new NPC. c) It sits in the background like the current source materials tab and lists what sources are loaded. Possibly with the New/Open/New NPC buttons on that page.

Tom's Mockup

Source Definition

Yea, I like this idea. Display 8 buttons, with: SRD for Players (PC races & classes) SRD for Game Masters (SRD including Monsters) RSRD for Players (PC races & classes) RSRD for Game Masters (SRD including Monsters) MSRD...

leaving at least one button (preferably more) that users get to "define sources"

Adding New Sources to the Page

You'd need to poll for the game mode first, but otherwise, yes this would work.nicely.