Hi all,
I don't know if I have any credibility with the new ppl on the block but
I'll try to raise an interface issue. My issue being I don't think we need a
splash screen as we're creating a IM program, wich should be lightweight and
not in your way in a "workflow". (I saw code for it in the commits)
Splash screens are used for several reasons: to give a user feedback that
the program was started like "OK, you've double clicked the icon, don't have
to do it again") and to give an idea on how long it will take for the
prorgam to load till it's usable.
If aMSN 2's startup time would be so long that we need such a measure, I
thin kthe "fix" won't be to add a splash screen which would make the program
use even more resources, but to fix the program so it starts up faster.
The best way to give a user feedback, imo, is to open the main window as
quickly as possible with the right dimensions, even if not everything has
been configured yet. If needed you can add a progressbar in THAT window to
show progress (but I hope this won't be needed, see my previous point).
Then the different features can be un-greyed once they're usable. Once it's
possible to do the login, the user should be able to do this. If the
program needs to load more pixmaps for example, before showing the CL, it
should load these while "logging in..." and only show the CL after
everything needed is initialised.
On another note this advise: don't use things just because it's possible
(same goes on for "UI special effects"). Rather try to use these
possibilities to create a more consistent user experience or to make the
program more accessible. Therefor another question for those UI-coders:
please think of accesibility (keyboard usage, color-themes suited for
colorblind of bad-sighted ppl etc).
I hope I don't "shoot" ppl this way (the same goes on for the subject).
Please give your ideas,
Karel.
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