Re: UI Review

[Thomas Wood <thos gnome org>]

Davyd Madeley wrote:
> On Wed, Feb 08, 2006 at 05:00:14PM +0000, Thomas Wood wrote:
>
> > There has been a general objection to the new 'glossy' look, and it 
> > would be possible to revert it. However, I haven't done so since I 
> > thought we were in the UI freeze, and changes to the default theme would 
> > probably not be welcome unless they where major usability issues or such 
> > like. I would really welcome more input from people on this subject - 
> > but please, on the correct list! If you'd like to discuss theme issues, 
> > please do so on gnome-themes-list. I would be glad if we had a few 
> > usability people on the list too.
>
> I think a case can be made here to use the same look and feel as we
> did for the last release. One of the reasons for UI freeze is
> because we have to do a lot of screenshots for documentation. This
> would stop a lot of the work being required.
>
> In addition, since there was the possible requirement of having to
> revert to a pre-Cairo version of gtk-engines for speed reasons: I
> don't know how many screenshots have been done using the new theme.
>
> Perhaps a theme file for the more subdued Clearlooks we're used to
> (but with the lovely smoothed corners and gradients) can be prepared
> and then the release team can make a decision?

The cairo version of clearlooks could definitely be made to look more 
like the original version, but I doubt there would be much improvement 
in speed if that is what you are looking for.

We could definitely ship a different gtkrc for the default theme, but we 
might have to rename the theme, as it would clash with the default 
clearlooks theme. Having said that, perhaps the new look could be given 
a new name instead. Adding Richard to CC for his input (not sure if 
you're on gnome-themes-list already?).

-Thomas