Systray layout opinion

[neiby]

So, are we no longer allowed to make suggestions on the forum? I thought the forum was an excellent place to discuss this sort of thing. I didn't realize that suggestions for improvements were so frowned upon.   

Musaran was simply offering some suggestions and, as a relatively new Avast user, I agree with most of his suggestions. I believe that if his suggestions were implemented, Avast would be easier to use for new users. Obviously, opinions differ, but why be so negative?

[Musaran]

Exactly.
Ease of use is my aim, it seems a success here.

"If you do it my way, I'll be happy"
"If you don't, I'll write some more."

It is not my way, what I would want for myself is quite different (and irrealistic).
It is not to make me happy, but most users happier using avast.

I write more to explain more, as necessary.

I like my girlfriend but much more if:
1- eyes like nicole kidman
2- legs like sharon stone
3- lips like monica bellucci
4-bottom like britney spears... on and on and on... 

It is possible and easy to combine the best parts in software, enjoy.

Why use a product if you don't appreciate it? 

Seems you didn't read me...
It is precisely because I appreciate avast that I want to perfect it.

Whilst it is never a good point getting involved in discussions on style/aesthetics/layout etc.

Style & aesthetics, I agree (that is why most controls have a neutral look).
But layout, why ? There is logic in this, not just taste.

there are many differing opinions and none is totally right.

Some points are better in the suggested layout, with reason :

• File operations are grouped.
• Tracking features are grouped (Event log & Quarantine zone).
• Services are grouped, in one glance the user knows which are available and their status.
• Status display and the commands to change status are the same thing (same name, same place, all choices available at once).
• Status names are much sorter, and very usual words.
• Features most useful to newcomers are the very firsts (down in a systray menu).
• Easy to add/remove service-specific command at design time.

and more...

I feel these logical improvements outweight matters of taste.

If you think otherwise, can you explain ?

[bob3160]

neiby

So, are we no longer allowed to make suggestions on the forum?

That was never said. Of course you can make suggestions. That's how avast! has gotten better.
However if you've made a suggestion and then have it explained to you why some suggestions are good and some things aren't
going to happen and you insist that that's not good enough, Then I guess you can continue to fill up pages
with repeated info that's not going to be listened to.

[neiby]

But Bob, that wasn't what happened as I see it. Someone made some excellent suggestions and he was basically told three things:

1. Avast is just fine as it is
2. You must not appreciate the program
3. We don't like your suggestions therefore you're wrong

Musaran's suggestions are very logical and are based in a solid understanding of ergonomics and interface design, and a few of his suggestions had occurred to me in the past.

As a relatively new user, I was lightly confused by some of the design elements that musaran mentioned. As one example, why is there one interface for on-demand scanning, another style for on-access settings, and another for program settings? This is confusing and does not present a common look. Those three interface styles could be combined to present a single, common main interface from which to interact with Avast.

Another example is "Start Avast! Antivirus" on the menu. That wording makes it appear that Avast isn't running and needs to be started. This is unclear and imprecise. A better menu title would be "On-Demand Scanning" or something like that.

Let's be clear: Avast! is a *great* program! I love it and I recommend it to all my friends and anyone else who will listen.  However, it is not perfect, and interface design is one of the areas in which it could improve. It may be perfectly clear to you who to use it becase you're very familiar with it, but some aspects are a little confusing to new users and they could be improved without negatively impacting the program in other ways.

Regards,
John (who really does love Avast!)

[Lisandro]

All of we are talking the same...
All of we are giving the acceptance for the others opinions...
All of we are just ok: ones giving opinions, others saying they're good, others (like me) saying that they're good but could bring trouble, others don't like...
This is the way to get a long journey 

[Jarmo P]

When it comes to the program interface, it is always better to listen to the newbie users.
They know better than the old users who have grown used to the interface.

I agree that the right click menu has too many items, the word avast! is mentioned way too many times, almost all musharan and neiby's comments.

But the interface is not really that bad, I can live with it
Main thing is Avast gives us a solid antivirus program.

[kamulko]

There was another topic (closed now) where Musaran says his suggests. I myself said to Musaran: "I've a different opinion, but yours are very interesting"; I think the same as Technical and others: if Musaran have the right to propose his ideas, the same is for who don't agree these arguments. Thanks God, everyone has the right to maintain his opinion! Or not. I'm not certainly an advanced user: I'm a newbie. But I like the Avast! interfaces and I think it has friendly options.  And I'm sure Avast! Team is looking at our wishes with interest. Also maybe is not a wise way to write more and more and more the same things. It seems like the child strategy:
"Daddy, I want this toy!"
"No, son!"
"Daddyyyy...I want it!"
"Not today, son; maybe tomorrow..."
"DADDDDDDDYYYYY!!! I WANTTTTT THE TOYYYYYYY!"
"Oh my God.. ok ok but don't break my head, please!"

Grin

I'm joking, Musaran... I don't want  offend you.

Democracy is the right to say our opinions and the right to respect opposing ideas.

[Musaran]

However if you've made a suggestion and then have it explained to you why some suggestions are good and some things aren't going to happen (1) and you insist that that's not good enough, Then I guess you can continue to fill up pages with repeated info (2) that's not going to be listened to (3).

(1) Alas, little explanation so far, mostly opinions like "fine as it is" or "won't do".
(2) I claim to repeat little.
(3) Ew. Not listen to repetition, or not at all ?

if Musaran have the right to propose his ideas, the same is for who don't agree these arguments.

Same here: I have seen denigrate, but little ideas.

I may sound capricious, but if there are better reasons for the way it is actually, or to not change it, just tell me. That would suit me.


Other better things in suggested layout :

• Status can be "Servicename (on at next reboot)" or "Servicename (limited, full requires reboot)"
  Current & wished for status as well as required operation in one glance !
• Services stay visible, even if stopped.
• Services can be restarted easier, from where they where stopped.

I have other comments on interface, but they belong in avast! User Interface future...

[bob3160]

I didn't get my way in one Thread so now let me try another one.....

[Musaran]

Small changes to suggested layout:

Replace "Help" with:

Documentation->	Help
	Web Site
	Known Viruses
	avast! iNews
	Event Log

-Documentation/information are now grouped.
-Main menu gets shorter.

"Web Site" could easely stay in main menu is so wanted.
"About" could be moved here, but should probably stay in main menu.


Add automatic to update menu:

Update->	Antivirus
	Virus Knowledge
	------------
	Automatically     (checkmark)

This is simpler, but automatic has to decide what to update.

Update->	Anti-virus->	Now!
		Automatically     (checkmark)
	Virus Knowledge->	Now!
		Automatically     (checkmark)

This is more configurable, but the 3-level menu and repetition for so little choices is uneasy.

[bob3160]

Musaran
What is

Virus knowledge

?

[Hopismum]

"About" could be moved here, but should probably stay in main menu.

Just a little observation.

"About" is normally, in most programs,  located under help.


I do think that  "Start avast! antivirus" should be changed to simply   "avast! antivirus"      .    I just think that "Start is a little misleading"  I know for me it was when I first installed the program months ago.

Im used to the program, and where things are located.    New people aren't.     And to some who may be a little not so computer savvy I kinda think it could use just a "little" better organization.

For me I don't think its wize to put too much on that menu.     I do think that most of it is fine as it is, and that some could be moved elsewhere to clean it up abit.    If you put TOO much there it "may" scare off some.   

just me 2 cents 

[Hopismum]

Musaran
What is

Virus knowledge

?

I'm thinking he means the iAVS update..     

and Musaran..    virus knowledge would make most people go  *what the heck is that?*     

[bob3160]

If that's the case then it should  be:
Update-> avast! Program
              Virus database
IMHO

[Hopismum]

Since I opened me big mouth   

I was just sitting here thinking and Ill spill the beans then duck out 

Suggesting change isnt slamming what we have;     I think its bettering what we have.
And its afterall just suggestions..

So here goes with what I think..  in very simplistic terms 

I think that when you click on that a ball in the sys tray that avast! should open up to a screen that has everything laid out nicely on it that you need to get to or use.    I know this would be alot of work.    And I realize we are talking about a lot of languages here.    And it may be something that could be hashed around abit and given some thought and maybe someday way down the rroad become a reality.   

Ive seen some people mention Norton and McAfee and how graphically well they present themselves   (of course they are resource hogs and we hate them.. but will give them credit for organization and ease of use)

SOOOOOOO..   why NOT compete abit more???     

Why NOT put it all in one place?

Options could be on the left...   with icons/buttons to press to access them..     The providers  (Web Shield,  Net Shield,  Internet Mail, Standard Sheild, etc) could be located there.    With a press of the button all you need would open on the right side of the screen.

others could be across the top...  such as Help  (maybe put registration and about under there)  Settings,   Updating,  Logs, etc.

I realize Ive left some things out..    such as Scanning itself.    That could be put on the left as well..    or maybe a providers button, a scanning button,  etc etc down the left..            Yes in a way its like frames.    Options on the left.     You click on a button and what you want to do and all to go with it opens on the right.

Then leave the right click on the "a" ball for just a FEW simple things that we may want to access quickly.


I know some are (not appearing) to appreciate "M's" suggestions.....

well.. Im a regular here and the above is just one of mine..    *smile*