Two category trees, but different behaviors

[JohnFredC]

In the XnView Browser it is possible to show two category trees simultaneously: the Navigator Category tree and the Property Category tree. They look similar, but have different functionality.

Each entry in each Category tree has a checkbox, but the purposes of the checkboxes differ:

• In the Navigator Category tree, a check box changes which thumbs display.
  
  In the Properties Category tree, a check box assigns a category.

I think this design could be improved. I'm not sure what to propose as an alternative, but seeing check boxes in both locations implies similar, not different behavior.

Does anyone else agree?

This is difficult to express clearly.

[xnview]

Yes, but how to change?

[JohnFredC]

Hi Pierre...

Yes, but how to change?

I dunno. I think my problem is that there are two trees and two sets of checkboxes whose functions overlap, but only a little. One tree's purpose is primarily navigation and filtering, the other's is assignment.

Suggestion

Since a tree is very meaningful for navigation, but less meaningful for assignment, my suggestion would be to change how the categories are displayed in the Properties/Category tab.

Instead of the tree, a "flat" list of assigned categories could be displayed there with an "Add" button.

The "Add" button would "pop up" a category management and assignment dialog which would display the category tree (with the check boxes for assigning categories to images) and also show buttons for category add/delete.

One objection to this idea is that it slows the assignment process down by requiring an extra click or two.