Getting newcomers on-board: Simplify, simplify simplify

[KLE-France]

First, a confirmation:

On first download, does XnView MP still look like this:

OutOfTheBox.jpg

I have to ask because I'm pulling that screen shot from a spare account on my computer where I just opened XnView MP for the first time.

Yes? Okay then. Let's continue.

That default setup is A LOT to take on for someone seeing the program for the first time. Organizationally, it's a mess, with large zones seemingly unoccupied and it is very unclear what can be done or not done with the software. I first-time viewer of XnView MP is likely just to say "bouaaa! No, that won't work."

So, first, I suggest delivering XnView MP with View > Panels > Show title of panels checked:

OutOfTheBoxSuggestion.jpg

This would immediately clear up things, at least somewhat, for first-timers. They would immediately understand what each space does and more importantly perhaps, the panel title bar also shows that each panel can be "minimized" i.e., released from its current placement... and thus moved about, and even closed... thus gotten rid of if the user doesn't want it.

Just because I made one, here's that same interface with the image selected:

OutOfTheBoxSuggestionWImage.jpg

But do you see how small the preview is? Is that not strange for a program designed to view images with? Yes, yes, yes, you click to go into the viewer, I know, but this is about a newcomer's initial discovery of the program.

Bref, this initial discovery of XnView MP, even with the panel title bars activated, leaves a feeling of "what's going on with this?"

I think this is even more so the case today, when users are use to app interfaces that make things as stupid-simple as possible.

Thus, I also suggest presenting a much simpler interface for that first time. I'm particularly smitten to View > Layout > Layout 7, but even it I would simplify further:

alternative default.jpg

The file tree à la Windows Explorer, the content of the currently selected file, and a sufficiently large selected image preview.

Simple. Clear.

I, the first-timer, can instantly understand and start using the program.

Note that this version is still giving the visual cues that more is available. There are still the panel title bars and the tabbed interfaces to inform the newcomer that there is more to discover. Note bis that the only thing sacrificed in this alternative setup is the categories functions. I do feel that those can "come later," so to speak for a first-time user. And, the fact that the Catalog Filter is still there acts as a nudge for newcomers that XnView MP offers all sorts of organizational functions.

But at the absolute least, deliver XnView MP with Show title of panels activated. C'est la moindre des politesses.

As always, thanks for your consideration.

[user0]

+1
though, I would use this order/grouping in the right pane:
- preview
- metadata + histogram
- info + categories + category sets