Sort of geting down to what do we actually like in an interface. Some things I like. 1. A large work area. Meaning not so much of the screen taken up with assorted menus. 2. Text interface Icons are confusing if you use a program enough they become second nature but if ther eis text instead the leaning curve for me is halved.

I too like an uncluttered modeling interface... something that can have simple (configurable) menus that pop-up or appear in context to what your are doing. I would prefer a modeling interface that naturally spreads itself out over two monitors. I like an interface that allows you to easily manipulate views of what you are doing. I dislike garish colors in a modeling interface (magenta, lime and cyan are positively hideous as a color combination), simply because I want my colors to be reserved for any surfacing work. I like a fast interface with very few input windows/boxes, but still enough of them that there is some numeric or parametric control. And I would like one that remembers user default settings for specific tools. Interesting thread. :o) Cheers! M

I like interfaces that let you drag toolbars around your workspace and allow you to add/remove icons from those toolbars.

Likes...

• Doesn't get in the way.
• Is somewhat intuitive in design.
• Context sensitive. (Things not related to current mode or action are hidden.)
• User modifiable. (Think hot keys, prefs, etc.)
• Can perform the desired function in the least number of steps required.
• Gives adequate feedback as to whether certain operations are being performed. (such as a progress bar when smoothing.)
• Detects whether or not an operation can be performed, and then gives an adequate explanation if it cannot. ("Insufficient memory for smoothing, action aborted.")

Dislikes... -

• Digging through layers of menus or functions to access a particular command.
• Clutter - having things onscreen not relating to the current action being performed. Same for tools being displayed when they're unavailable for a given mode.
• Cryptic icons or names for tools/functions.
• No indication of whether an operation is in effect if not completed immediately. (Did the computer just hang? Or is it actually crunching numbers?)
• Starting an operation that cannot be properly completed. (Smooths, etc. when there is not sufficient memory which leads to a crash. Usually this is a big waste of time.)
• Mystery errors. (If something goes wrong, at least say what it relates to.)
• Inadequate help menu. The help menu should be able to describe the basics of each function.
• Difficulty with tasks not necessarily related to the modeling environment. (When looking for files, etc. the program shouldn't freeze.)
• Lack of adjustability for purposes of visibility. (Certain colors can be difficult for some people, text and icons should be resizable - not just for older eyes but for different screen resolutions.)

That sums it up for the moment.

You pretty much just described Cinema 4D. 8 )~ Tom

One vital feature as far as I'm concerned is being able to rotate the perspective view around whatever you've selected. If you're working on a tiny bit of the mesh and need to track around to see what you've done, that feature saves so much pissing about and cursing. m.

likes: four pane views by default small buttons in toolbars "slider" controls over "dial" controls dislikes: open up poser and amapi and bryce. you won't find one thing I like in them.

You pretty much just described blender 3d. uncluthered and user cofigurable. :)

why isnt blender in the forum banner links btw?

cause for a while blender wasn't available. also, isn't there a blender foum? those that have thier own forums don't get listed here.

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12460&Form.ShowMessage=2235939

Message edited on: 06/16/2005 22:15

That church will look terrific once it's textured. Does it have interior space as well? I like the gargoyles :) Mick.