Re: [LAD] Portable user interfaces for LV2 plugins

On Wed, Mar 02, 2011 at 04:58:39PM -0500, David Robillard wrote: Here (for once) we do agree :-) There's probably no worse way to show what a compressor is doing than showing the input and output waveforms. A simple bargraph showing the current gain - or better, the gain range over a short period - will do fine. I've been demoing high end mixers (Digico) to experienced sound engineers for some time. These mixers can show a graphical representation of the EQ etc. The first thing these potential customers ask is if those displays can be disabled - they just don't want them. Good UI design for audio apps means something entirely different: - Something you can look at for extended periods. This means color schemes that don't strain your eyes, the right amount of detail, and nothing that becomes distracting by moving or flashing all the time without providing essential information. - A layout that is logical to someone who understands what an app or plugin is doing. A clear distinction between things you set up once and forget and those that you may want to adjust more frequently. - A presentation that allows you to check if things are what you expect they are at a glance, and even without being aware of it. - The ability to find anything you'd need routinely without going through menus, dialogs, or having to move or resize windows. If you have to modify the display significantly in order to find some control or action, it should be possible to return to the previous one with just a single action. - Showing correct and useful information rather than eye candy. Ciao, -- FA