Glad to see that you have a beta out for Version 8, but I'm in the middle of evaluating v-7 right now. Here are some suggestions for the new version:
1. Try to make the fact that the program is a collection of modules transparent to the user. Ideally Biblioscape should put only one button in the Windows system tray, and should instead maintain whatever tabs it needs on its own toolbar (like in a web browser).
2. I get real nervous when I have to that X in the upper riight hand corner to finish an operation and get back to the main screen. It would be best to have "Save" (or "Close") and "Exit" buttons for ending an operation.
3. If information has been entered on a screen, if the window is closed without saving, there should be a prompt to save it if there is unsaved work. In practicing I have lost data a few times after, for example, filling in the data for a record.
4. Terminology is key. Clearer, less redundant terminology and a clearer explanation of what the database elements are how they interact is essential. I thought I understood, only to discover once deep into practice that in fact I'm totally confused. Looks like a great program and I likely will end up buying a copy, but the learning curve is much steeper than necessary, I think.
I hope these ideas help and can be included.
-- Larry
In References pane, show all categories for current reference.
In the References pane, if a category in the category list is the current focus, all references in that category are displayed.
The converse is not true, but it would be very helpful if it were. There are two cases to consider for this:
1. Highlight (blue cursor) a category that contains, say, three references. The references are all displayed. Now highlight one of those referrences (blue cursor) and it is one that is assigned to three categories. Now the highlight of the previously blue category becomes gray, but there is no indication that there are two other categories associated with the chosen reference. Therefore, incomplete and possibly misleading information about the reference is presented. Either the most recent relevant category should be in gray with other associated categories underlined, or all of the associated categories should be indicated in like manner.
2. Highlight (blue) a category in the list that has no references associated with it. Now click the reference folder in the folder tree, and several references are displayed, with one highlighted in gray. The category is now also highlighted in gray. This is a presentation of bad data because none of the displayed references (and particularly the one in gray) are associated with that category.
I advocate that the references pane and the category pane be tightly integrated to show the interrelationships that exist between them, depending on what item is selected.
In the reference module list
In the reference module list view, the categories tab is used to organize references, not as an indicator which categories the currently selected reference resides. If you double click a reference, the reference editor will be shown. There is a categories tab in that window too. That categlries tab does what you expect for that reference. Paul
1. Most of the tasks can be
1. Most of the tasks can be done in the live preview panel. So users don't need to open an editor often. Using tabs is a good idea. Thanks.
2. Please let us know in which window you have to click the X button.
3. In Biblioscape, if you click the OK button and Save and Close button, the changes will be saved. Again, please let me know which window closing caused you losing data.
Thanks,
Paul
3. Well, if you open a new
3. Well, if you open a new reference window, type some stuff and click X it closes without saving or warning..... Same when editing existing references.
Actually, I agree on
Actually, I agree on usability and that a lot of concepts are tricky to understand (or remember as I find that I know a procedure exists but do not remember where and how after a while, regularly). Even simple things like case-sensitive search in Advanced Search but not in Simple Search. Boolean operations on Categories is another example of a tool that is powerful but hidden. There are lots.
So, I have a suggestion in this regard. How about implementing optional tooltips accosiated with interface elements? They could even be capable of accepting user notes (that would have to be saveable and transferrable between versions). Alternative idea would be to provide direct links from interface elements to articles in Help. I have encountered this in a few high-end complex programs and it is always helpful.
Finally, a note for the original poster - Biblioscape is a great program that I am grateful for in many ways!
Biblioscape 8 final will
Biblioscape 8 final will prompt user if users click the X button to close a form. We will also improve the documentation. Thanks, Paul
Need protection with the Esc key too.
Hi Paul,
Much like protecting the X button, the Esc key need action needs to be safe. For example, when editing a reference, if a change is made and the Esc is accidentally hit, the change is lost. If the data is changed the program should offer a prompt to save the changes.
Thank you, Paul.
Thank you, Paul.