[Just Talk] Re: [linux-audio-user] Why we need graphic designers

[Lukas Degener]

Hi list,
i've been following this thread the last two days or so, and i agree 
with otheres on this list that gui design (not just nice bitmaps but 
also a consistent and intuitive behavior), is a very important aspect, 
which has somewhat too low priority to many programmers (might be a 
matter of taste, though. There are different aproaches to gui design, 
including  "no gui at all" terminal applications).
Most of the things i could contribute to this thread have already been 
said. Leaves me with one option left:

I would like to invite anyone interested to have a look at ams

http://alsamodular.sf.net

It is going through some refactoring process right now, and while i'm at 
it, i would apreciate any ideas on how to make its gui more attractive. 
Matthias (the main author) once mentioned that he would like to have 
some kind of skinning support  for the gui controlls.
I am messing around with almost every class interface within ams code 
right now anyway, so while i am at it, i thought i might as well have 
some thoughts on a more "pluggable" gui architecture. But as i am not 
that experienced with advanced gui design, i could use some input from 
someone who is.

What interfaces should ams provide to anyone interested in creating 
custom widgets/skins?

Please feel free to join the ams list(s), and/or have a look at current 
cvs.

BTW: although i like many aproaches suggested on this thread, concerning 
the many kinds of range controls (knobs/sliders/whatever) i think the 
most intuitive thing to do (and the most elegant for realtime 
performances anyway) is to bind a midi controller to the parameter in 
question. (which is no problem with ams ;-) ) But i also like the idea 
of an animated knob, operated by the mousewheel. Maybe together with a 
modifier key to have extra precission. Another thing which i found quiet 
usefull while working with ams is the possibility to redefine the 
boundries of a parameter. since the resolution of any slider/knob (at 
least the visual resolution) is somewhat limited, this can give more 
precission (am i spelling this wrong: p-r-e-c-i-s-s-i-o-n ? Please 
correct me.)

Regards,
Lukas