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neeklamy

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  1. Like
    neeklamy reacted to MEB in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    Hi Hokusai,
    Here's another sneak peek (brush stabilisation)  :)
  2. Like
    neeklamy reacted to anon1 in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    https://vimeo.com/200783820
    Some more preview
     
    Cheers
  3. Like
    neeklamy reacted to Bri-Toon in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I agree. The new UI does look charming and so does the current one, but the bigger issue is the color of the selected indicator. That screenshot of Dorico is a great example of what should be applied in Affinity. Having the indicator the same color as the background is not easy on the eyes.
  4. Like
    neeklamy reacted to VIPStephan in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    In my other life I’m a musician and I’m sometimes composing and arranging music. Interestingly, 2016 seems to have been the year of new applications because at the same time Serif published Affinity, Steinberg hired the old staff of the music notation software studio Sibelius to have them create a completely new notation software from scratch (called Dorico). And despite their very different subject I see many parallels in the approaches of Affinity and Dorico (or rather, the developers of these software).
     
    But long story short: Dorico has a beautiful dark UI with monochrome icons and states that are easy to recognize. Even though they also have a light UI, I don’t even feel like switching because the dark UI is actually pleasing to the eye for my taste. Perhaps Serif could take some inspiration from this?

  5. Like
    neeklamy reacted to PeanutsA in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    With respect to Alfred, who I most certainly do respect, phrases such as "now looks" and "or so" are not certainties, or even promises.
     
    Whilst I am not disrespecting, or doubting, any statements made by Serif, and fully appreciating that changes/developments take time, I would have thought that something more definite, on such a requested/basic feature, could have been stated.
     
    As version 2 was going to be a 'paid for release' has it been stated whether version 1.6, whenever it is released, will be a free update to 1.5.0.45 or will it be a new paid for version? This question is asked because I cannot find anything on this despite a forum search.
  6. Like
    neeklamy reacted to VIPStephan in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    This is part of the product’s future and improvement. The UI is actually the central component to work with. Why have the latest cutting edge functionality if you’re constantly annoyed by a bad user interface that makes it hard to actually use the latest cutting edge features? Everything is equally important – and now it’s the light UI’s turn to be implemented.
  7. Like
    neeklamy reacted to anon1 in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    -
  8. Like
    neeklamy reacted to The-Design-Guy in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    Another supporter for this request. I'm an older guy, and my vision isn't as great as it used to be (although I rarely wear glasses). I'm guessing your interface designers are all under 30. The option for larger icons and type (and more contrast) would be most welcome.
     
    I am also an Adobe refugee. I've used Adobe products since Photoshop 1, but do not like the subscription model (and have retired, so don't have as much need for their software. Affinity Photo and Designer are the FIRST non-Adobe products I have tried that actually feel like they might serve my needs. Congratulations on achieving this level of functionality so quickly!
  9. Like
    neeklamy reacted to Alfred in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I completely agree. I have to set my laptop screen to exactly the correct angle if I'm to have any hope of seeing which tool is currently highlighted (or perhaps that should be 'lowlighted'). It would be great to have the simple 'Invert' option that Julian23 suggested earlier in this thread.
  10. Like
    neeklamy reacted to kirk23 in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    Imo the whole dark UI was born just because of  those super bright, over 300cd/cm2 monitors for people who never try to calibrate their monitors.
     
    Since the first thing every color profile calibration software would suggest you is to get  your monitor back to normal  120cd/cm2 providing true actual black color values and true 2,2 gamma,  you  no more able to tolerate anything darker than  PhotoshopCC  light gray theme.
     
    I vote for brighter UI option  too, just extend those sliders a bit more
  11. Like
    neeklamy reacted to Sarvasri in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I too have a lot of difficulty working with this interface. I often can't tell which icon is selected. The almost black on black is extremely difficult to distinguish. Instead of making the selection black, it would be better at 50% gray or some lighter value. Or make the background lighter so the black surround of the icon is more contrasted.

     

    I tried changing the gamma of the user interface all the way to the right, but it is not enough.

     

    Also, the text is difficult to read. Likewise, Apple's new designs are terrible. The little darker gray on gray is a poor choice. We should not have to strain to read or recognize text or which icon is selected. It's like trying to read a book with white type on almost white paper. I can't understand these unclear user interface choices. When Jony Ive took over interface design, it was bad news. These barely distinguishable interfaces are horrible.

  12. Like
    neeklamy reacted to Herbert123 in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I have a couple of IxD related question for the Affinity developer team:
    Is an experienced Interaction/UX designer part of your team? Did you perform usability tests with test participants right from the start using prototypes? Do you currently perform usability tests? Just curious about your development workflow in regards to usability design - this is not meant in a negative manner. When I design GUIs, games, and sites I almost always perform usability tests with test participants. These may either be formal or informal, depending on the scope of the job at hand.
  13. Like
    neeklamy reacted to tarc in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    +1 for a light UI.
    I always work by daylight and it's better in my perception .
  14. Like
    neeklamy reacted to LilleG in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I do really like Photo and Designer and expect to keep them as my go-to apps but unless there is an option for a lighter UI in version 2, I don't expect to upgrade either one.  Instead I'll just muddle along with the final version of V1.  I'm hoping that's not a choice I have to make but I'm really, really tired of struggling with this dark, low-contrast interface.
  15. Like
    neeklamy reacted to PaoloT in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I like what Apple did to the workflow of their pro apps I know (Logic Pro X, Final Cut Pro X). They are more logical, keep all the tools you use the most in the main window, and let you configure everything in a snap.
     
    What I don't like is the dark UI. While it may make sense for the preview mode of a photo or movie app, since it would simulate the dark room or the movie theatre, I find it doesn't work with music, where you usually work in the light, to see scores (white paper) or the face of the other musicians. And I find it doesn't work for illustration/page layout, where you work on white paper.
     
    Paolo
  16. Like
    neeklamy reacted to kenfhill84083 in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    +1  for option to lighten tools panels and toolbars.  
     
    I feel like I am in a dark cave - kind of claustrophobic.  I lightened the drawing area but still need more.
     
    Thanks.
  17. Like
    neeklamy reacted to m-b in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    Oh, this wish is over two years old... I really like the dark UI, especially when I work at the evening in low light situations. But I must also admit, that in bright daylight condition a light grey UI is far better and homogenic to the eyes. It would be really helpful if the gamma could be set to a much brighter UI, where the caption goes from white to black. This is just a color reversal snapshot, only to show how 'smooth' black text on light grey is. It should be easy to implement this feature. +1 from me too :)        

  18. Like
    neeklamy reacted to cja17 in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    Hello All
     
    This is a great thread and I'm adding my opinion here to keep the debate going and help keep it above the fold.
     
    I've yet to switch over to AD, for purely practical reasons - no Pantone, no artboards. Still, both of those are hopefully not many motorway junctions away on the roadmap, so all good there. However, just below these in my wishlist is the UI.
     
    I struggle hugely with the dark theme – I find the contrast levels between backgrounds and type/icons problematic – I'm unable to reach that wonderful point where the interface disappears and I'm simply focused on my work.
     
    And, I have some far less defensible aesthetic problems as well - the darkness makes the application feel "closed in" to me, whilst the candy-coloured tool icons just don't say "Pro" to me.
     
    What I do know is that I really wish I hadn't seen Andreas Larsen's great work in Posts #25 and #30 in this thread - those mockups are exactly the UI option I'm looking for.
     
    So, I'm disappointed to hear TonyB downplay this issue in post #47, but a little heartened that MEB isn't quite as negative in post #48. And, of course, I'm just pleased that Affinity staff engage so well on this forum.
     
    My concern is that, as the Photo beta picks up pace, issues like this one are going to sink further down the list. I hope Serif recognise the opportunity they have here to make a huge step-up in market share, and can find the resources to develop 2 apps at the same time (with a third coming).
     
    I'm old enough to remember the giddy excitement of the moment when InDesign 2.0 released me from Quark. It's clear that Adobe, and the design market as a whole NEEDS the competitive push Serif/Affinity is bringing.
     
    Thus, I've bought my AD licence, will buy my Affinity Photo licence the day it comes out, and the Affinity Publisher one after that. But if it's a matter of cash, then get a Kickstarter launched - I'm up for an extra £50 if I can get a light, flat UI.
     
    Perhaps you could call it the OAP Persona?
     
    Cheers, Christian
  19. Like
    neeklamy reacted to RPJ in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    For the record, I think the Affinity team at Serif have done, and are continuing to do, a terrific job. By releasing the Affinity suite they are addressing a serious gap in the market (brilliantly opened up further by Adobe and their subscription model). So this post is essentially supportive and is not taking a pop at anyone.
     
    However, there is a distinct lack of comment from MEB and the posse on the topic of this thread. Namely, that a significant number of people find the dark UI difficult to work with. On other threads MEB and Co. talk about the 'roadmap' of development topics. They are quite clear that there are limited resources and that some very worthwhile features will be dealt with in due course, but that there is a priority sequence. This is fine, we may not agree with the priority, but at least there is a policy and they have shared it with us. Can we have some guidance on this topic? The only comment on the core issue is a single post advising us that we can tweak the gamma a bit. Are you silent because you recognise this is a real issue that affects the usability of the both Affinity Designer and Photo Beta and are not sure what to do about it.? Or is it being ignored because you have no intention of changing it, but do not want to say so?   
     
    Also, no one has mentioned UK disability legislation (Disability Discrimination Act). I do not know how it applies to software or in the USA which I imagine is a major target market for Affinity. But Serif is a UK company and as such will be required to make 'reasonable' provision on their premises for employees and visitors with disabilities, which include limited vision.  Seems to me that extending this to their software makes sense from both a moral and a business viewpoint. 
     
    Look forward to hearing from you :-)
     
     
     
  20. Like
    neeklamy reacted to Andreas Larsen in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    Thanks, just a mockup but we can always hope they'll create something like it
     
     
     
    Thanks
     
     
    This is just a mockup, not intended to replace the existing UI, would just like it as an option (to choose themes maybe)
     
     
     
     
    Thanks, I tried to remove as much chrome and color as possible and to keep the yosemite style that users are familiar with => more focus on content. 
     
    Added some more: 
     

  21. Like
    neeklamy reacted to Andreas Larsen in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    Yosemite style...mockup
     
    Obviously less than half done but you get the idea :)
     
  22. Like
    neeklamy reacted to ScottDutton in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    +1 on this post.
     
    As someone who has worked in colour-calibrated environments since his days (long past now) as a custom photo lab technician, all my backgrounds are usually a mid grey so that what I'm working on is not affected by surrounding values and colours. Too dark a UI and you're likely to make your overall colour scheme too bright because your eyes will compensate. Too bright an evironment and you're likely to go too dark.
     
    It's the same principle as colour temperature. When you're in a room lit up by incandescent lights, the light seems white in colour. If it's night, go outside and your eyes revert to natural light. Look in your window and you'll see the incandescent light now looks yellow-orange by comparison.
     
    It's not a matter of looking cool and stylish. Hell, I don't even like black turtlenecks and horn-rimmed glasses for myself. It compromises the workflow and I'll also chime in about ageing eyes and readability. Not asking the über-black to go away. Just want the option to set the interface colour as I always have.
     
    Thanks.
  23. Like
    neeklamy reacted to Richard Hallas in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I've just set up an account on this forum specifically to make this request.
     
    I'm an Illustrator user who really resents Adobe's new CC subscription scheme, so I'm interested in software that provides a realistic alternative to Adobe's core products. I've just bought Affinity Designer and so far am very impressed by what I see, feature-wise. There's a lot to like here.
     
    However, I DO NOT LIKE dark user interfaces, and I was dismayed when I found that a dark interface is all that's on offer here. Maybe it's a feature of my eyes, but I find the dark colours extremely difficult to resolve and focus on, especially if I'm working on fairly bright/pale artwork (which is invariably the case).
     
    UI designers seem to be under the misapprehension that having dark user interfaces is helpful because the tools 'get out of the way' and don't distract from the content. In fact, that's not true (or, at least, it's missing the point). The key thing is contrast: for ideal working conditions, every part of the screen that contains active content (i.e. artwork and tools) should be of a similar brightness to the overall intensity of the artwork. So, if you're designing dark/predominantly black artwork, your eyes need to adjust to that darkness, and hence having dark tools is helpful in that situation. But in the vast majority of cases (particularly when you're designing light artwork for use in print, typically on a white background), your eyes have to accommodate the glare of the bright colours, so the tools need to be similarly pale too. If there's a mismatch between artwork lightness and interface lightness, your eyes are constantly having to adjust as they move between the two areas, which is incredibly tiring.
     
    Maybe I suffer from this more than other people, but I'm very conscious of it – and it's the reason why I hate dark user interfaces. It's not that I'm against them in terms of their looking good; it's all about usability. Ideally, the lightness of the user interface, in a design application such as this, should be adjustable on a per-document basis, because – as noted – for the best experience, its overall lightness should be similar to that of the artwork itself. (So maybe it could be tied to the document background colour for any given document.) But at the very least, given that most artwork is either printed or viewed on-screen against a light background, a light user interface should definitely be the default.
     
    Frankly it amazes me that Adobe has got this wrong in recent times. It seems to be insisting on dark user interfaces itself, by default, which is barmy. But the fact that Adobe's started doing this doesn't mean that other developers should blindly follow its lead. Dark user interfaces may look cool, but they're actually a really bad idea, especially if enforced. Please, developers, THINK about such things! Take design decisions for the right reasons, rather than just to follow the current trend.
     
    At least Adobe does still offer the full range of dark to light in its user interface preferences, so it's still possible to make them look like they used to look (black text on pale grey) – which is massively better than the dark default.
     
    Unfortunately, Affinity Designer doesn't have this feature. OK, at least I can set the UI gamma. I've put it up to its brightest possible setting and it helps a little bit, but it's not nearly enough. At minimum, there needs to be a similar alternative to approach from the white end of the scale: i.e. to start with a very bright interface and darken it down.
     
    Please think about acting on this as a matter of urgency, Affinity developers. Much as I'd love to see more 'real' features being developed for this excellent-looking product, this UI issue is, to me, surprisingly important because it impinges on the usability of the entire application. While the interface continues to be excessively dark and overly hard to read, it's going to materially hamper my ability to use the software.
     
    We don't need skins and alternative icons. The basic look is fine. We just need to be able to lighten it right up so that the tools and buttons use dark text on a pale grey background. Thanks for listening.
  24. Like
    neeklamy reacted to dag_klingstedt in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I would like to add my voice to this request. I'm having substantial problems with "light grey on black" interface design. The contrast is just not very good. In a brightly lit room, as the one I work in, it is rather difficult to use and it induces headaches after a while.
     
    I have the same problem with Pixelmator. I hope you will be different than the Pixelmator team, which absolutely refuses to offer the possibility of customising the UI colour scheme. There are graphic professionals in their 50s and 60s who might not have the eyes of our younger colleagues. Please consider our needs, too. Thank you!
  25. Like
    neeklamy reacted to Figmatt in Add a Lighter/Brighter UI-mode (implemented)   
    I'd also like to see a "Yosemite" style UI. 
     
    I appreciate the darker UI is better for some situations, but not always.
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