[Digikam-devel] [Bug 280726] New: Digikam Import Process Needs To Be Streamlined

[Malvern Star]

https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=280726

           Summary: Digikam Import Process Needs To Be Streamlined
           Product: digikam
           Version: 1.8.0
          Platform: Unlisted Binaries
        OS/Version: Linux
            Status: UNCONFIRMED
          Severity: wishlist
          Priority: NOR
         Component: Import
        AssignedTo: digikam-devel at kde.org
        ReportedBy: malv_star at hotmail.com


Version:           1.8.0 (using KDE 4.6.0) 
OS:                Linux

I currently support several hundred Linux users running KDE.  These users have
migrated from Windows on my recommendation, on the basis that Linux is more
reliable, stable, and though not as familiar as Windows, ultimately more
user-friendly.  This has met with some success, however there are lingering
issues. The number one application I get complaints and support calls about, is
digiKam.  Specifically, the downloading of photos from camera has been a
sticking point for a large proportion of my users (greater than 50 percent in
fact).  I believe that this stems from the way digiKam handles album creation
and photo selection at photo download time, and wish to suggest some changes
that I believe would be both minor, and eliminate these difficulties. 

I emailed Gilles with my concerns. He seemed receptive, and suggested I create
a bug report here.

After spending a significant amount of time on training, I believe I have
identified the key points at which users become confused and/or unable to
progress through the import process.

1) Photo selection. Most of my users are unable to tell when a photo has been
selected.  They also do not understand the idea or mechanics of "group
selection" using the keyboard.  

Suggested alternative: Photos should be automatically split into "events",
displayed vertically/sequentially, with a single, large "collage" style icon,
and the date the pictures were taken in plain language next to the image (eg
Thursday, 25th August, 2011 - not 25/08/11).  A large "Import photos from this
event" button should be placed next to each event.

2) Album Creation. Most of my users are unable to understand how or why albums
are created.  When they do see the button to create an album, they accidentally
create it as a sub-album of some other album, as the top level is not selected
by default.  They then usually claim their photos "are missing".

Suggested alternative: Do not allow the creation of sub-albums during the
import process.  When a new album is to be created, prompt for an "Event Name",
and place it alphabetically or chronologically in the main album listing. 
Sub-Albums could then be created later, but most users do not have the patience
to organise their photos after import, so removing this step seems prudent.

I hope this information is taken in the spirit intended.  digiKam is definitely
my photo management application of choice, but I feel that feature creep has
perhaps removed some of the focus from ease of use in more recent releases. 
Please understand that if I could contribute with code I would do so, but feel
that any code contribution I might make would be harmful to the stability of
your software as my experience with C/C++ is limited.

Thankyou.

Reproducible: Always



Expected Results:  
digiKam becomes easier to use.

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