Re: [Usability] Request for feedback: Alarm Clock UI

[Allan Day <allanpday gmail com>]

> I've done a quick review of your suggestions and will respond with
> more detailed thoughts as soon as possible :-)

No problem. :)

> I'm a bit unsure about using a popup menu as the list of alarms
> though. Traditionally a menu item can only be clicked to activate one
> action, not multiple as your mockup suggests (snooze, dismiss and
> delete). I'm not sure this is even technically possible in GTK+...
> They could appear in submenus, but that's not as elegant. It might be
> possible to display some sort of popup-window with a custom list
> though...

In my mind, applets shouldn't really throw up windows. The purpose of
applets is to have an interaction element that is visible and accessible
all the time, irrespective of window placement or workspace. Once you
start using windows for your primary interaction, that advantage is
lost.

That said, I completely understand the implementation difficulties that
exist with what I'm proposing.

> Another reason I'm reluctant is that I've kinda already implemented a
> version of the alarm list window[1] mentioned in the BetterUI wiki
> page[2] :-P What do you think of using a window instead of a popup
> menu?

Ha, I was too slow. :) A window isn't necessarily wrong, it just
wouldn't have the advantage that I've described above. And hey, it's
just my opinion.

You could easily apply the recommendations I've made in my review to
your window design. Off the top of my head, I'd recommend not using
editing functionality (just add and remove) and not using checkboxes to
activate/deactivate alarms (just have them active by default). Also,
make sure that your Snooze and Stop buttons (etc) grey out in the right
circumstances.

That's a nice mockup, by the way. :)

Best,

Allan

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