RFC: Only place one "add tab" item in the Context View toolbar

[Mark Kretschmann]

On Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 2:39 PM, Bart Cerneels <bart.cerneels at kde.org> wrote:
> On Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 14:33, Mark Kretschmann <kretschmann at kde.org> wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I've just committed a usability patch (revision c44e3b), a change to
>> the context view toolbar, and I'd like to explain the motivations here
>> in more detail. What it changed is this:
>>
>> With the old system, we used one "add tab" item (a "+" symbol) after
>> each tab in the toolbar. Clicking this item adds a new tab (i.e.
>> applet) to the context view. The system was designed like this
>> deliberately, but the approach has a number of advantages and
>> disadvantages. The new system only uses one "add tab" item at the end
>> of the toolbar, similar to Firefox's tab bar.
>>
>> Old system (multiple add tab items):
>>
>> Pros:
>>  * Allows placing the tab at right position immediately.
>>
>> Cons:
>>  * Uses a lot of screen estate. Problematic on small screens, or when
>> using many applets.
>>  * Different from the way most other applications handle tabs.
>>
>>
>> New system (one add tab item):
>>
>> Pros:
>>  * Uses less screen estate. Important e.g. for netbooks.
>>  * Works similar like many other popular applications, e.g. Firefox,
>> Chrome, Konqueror.
>>
>> Cons:
>>  * Positioning the item requires one more step after adding it.
>>
>>
>> The idea for this change came about at OpenExpo, where Sven and I
>> discussed a number of small usability issues. We've concluded that the
>> change is worthwhile, especially because the old system uses far too
>> much space on smaller screens. I've attached two screenshots, one
>> before, one after. Please let us know your opinions.
>>
>
> I'm pro. And it cleans up the visual clutter.
>
> I think there are still issues with the context bar though....

We also had some other ideas for improving it further. Stay tuned :)

-- 
Mark Kretschmann
Amarok Developer
www.kde.org - amarok.kde.org