Re: [libreoffice-design] Ribbons and Background Color UX

On Mon, May 23, 2011 at 4:01 AM, Sveinn í Felli <sveinki@nett.is> wrote:

> Þann mán 23.maí 2011 02:49, skrifaði jlopez777:
>
>  Hello all,
> > Is it the general consensus that ribbons are not needed or not a priority?
> > Or background colors for writer and impress (both slide background and
> > slide
> > overview section background which is white). Just wondering how this could
> > progress...if not the other things I mentioned earlier, then at least the
> > ribbons. Thank you.
> >
> > JL
> From lurking on diverse mailing-lists I've understood that 'ribbons (TM)'
> are not the main target - actually some of LO/OOo users are
> ribbon-transfuges that didn't really appreciate this unilateral design
> desicion (and who may care a lot about their screen-real-estate).

I guess 2 questions should be asked here.

1. Who are the target audience for LO?
2. What do they want (proven with verifiable data)?

If we are trying to expand our user base (which I would assume we would)
then my hypothesis would be to adapt to those users. Another assumption is
that these new users like ribbons more  since that is what they are being
introduced to (especially next generation of office software users). The
challenge would be how do we working towards new users who might prefer
Ribbon, or ribbon like style, without losing those who do not, which I
assume are more of well informed and knowledgeable computer user and more
concerned about functionality than design/eye candy which I see you address
below.

> Meanwhile I've seen talks on LibreOffice lists about having an interactive
> properties-panel, preferably a vertical sidebar one.
> The two could be IMHO basicly the same thing, one a lateral panel, and the
> other a sort of toolbar on steroids.
>
> If implemented in a true FOSS-way, the properties-panel would be
> customisable, dockable and placeable where ever you like - including in a
> ribbonesque position.

I like this since it can get the best of both worlds (not perfectly the best
of both worlds) but giving a good balance between utility and design. Its
not that I don't agree with the idea "the less clicks the better", its just
I believe that if Ribbons aren't the way to go, we still could do a better
job in design layout.

> Just thoughts,
>
> Sveinn í Felli
>
>
>
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-- 
Joed Lopez

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