Configurations dialog: multiple rows of tabs

[impishfae]

Status: Included in version 1.4.0

I'd like to see an alternate method of handling the configuration screen. There's so many tabs now that scrolling back and forth using the <> buttons is a bit of a pain as they only move one tab at a time.

So, some alternative ideas on making this more usable...

* Multiple rows of tabs.

* Group the options and have a submenu off Configuration, with each one then popping up a window, with just a few tabs in it.
Say: DKP settings (initial values, dkp settings), Parse settings(parse classic, parse (non-classic), parse patterns, File settings) , Server (server, uploads, ), Program (Locations, Misc, Suspected errors, autocompletion) Import/Export (import/export, BB code export)

* Firefoxy approach: Config window has a scroll pane on the left hand side with icons (or buttons) for each config section (ie: one per existing tab). Click on the button and the pane on the right displays the options. Could also be used in combination with the grouping concept outlined above (buttons are the group options, panel on the right fills out with the tabbed pane).
By 'firefoxy approach', I mean have a look at how Firefox does its Options window.


(Yes, I have been told before that I'm so helpful it hurts. Sorry for throwing ideas that'll cause lots of extra work for you! )

[Lokorin]

I agree that it's becoming too hard to navigate the configuration.

The firefox approach seems like a nice solution, if only I had some kind of graphical skills so that I could create the icons. If someone is willing to contribute with the icons then I will contribute with the coding. Otherwise the second alternative with a menu sounds good (or two levels of tabs?). It has been added to the other things that should be done before the beta.

And please continue suggesting things (and contributing code), most things don't take a lot time to implement, but without the initial idea they will never be implemented.

[impishfae]

Not being a graphical wiz either, I poked about on the big mooshy thing known as the web and came up with a couple of spots which might have some useful icons.

http://www.xp-icons.com/
http://www.famfamfam.com/lab/icons/silk/preview.php
http://www.iconarchive.com/icon/system/e-world-2000-by-iconfactory/index.html

[Lokorin]

I picked some icons from those pages and tried at to create something remotely usable, which resulted in the button images shown below. They can't be especially hard to top, so if there's someone out there that likes this project and has the slightest bit of graphical mojo then please put these out of their misery. I also hear that the current splash screen is pleading for a makeover.

The button images are currently simple 64x64px png images. That size seems to work, so I would recommend a similar size for any contributions (or a larger one that could then be cropped). Preferred file formats are png or gif. The splash screen can be any size and format.

I haven't thought a lot about in which order that the groups and tabs should be laid out, so someone ought to take a look at that too (and maybe some of the tabs should be renamed while at it).

The current order is

[impishfae]

WOW! How awesome is this! The config window is so much easier to navigate around, now. And it's got style. I'm excited. (Yes, I really am a geek: excited over some icons. It's a sad sad world I live in ) Ooo! And it's modal! (how many exclamation marks of delight can I get away with?)

I pondered some of the layout of these things and have to confess I didn't come up with too much that was helpful.

My logical brain twitches slightly at having a main icon called the same thing as one of the tabs underneath it but I'm not sure my suggestions really are much help in making things any more clear.

Server:
Connectivity? Host Settings? Settings?
Uploads

DKP:
Initial Values
Settings? Details? Config? DKP System?

Parsing:
Settings
Interval settings (non-classic) (this one is a struggle)
Patterns
File

Program:
Miscellaneous
Suspected Errors
Autocompletion
Locations

Import/Export:
Import (add unknown members on import moves to new tab)
Export
BB Code Config

[Lokorin]

Wikipedia has a good icon collection in case additional icons are ever needed (and all icons I checked were in the public domain).