@noahread: There’s no way to please everyone, but the VAST majority were very unhappy with the wasted space in OmniFocus 2 and the Data Density update was a godsend to me and the vast majority of people. However, if I was in charge, there would be a Style section under the Preferences, where the user can configure the vertical spacing of entries using a slider from Loose to Tight, so that every possible outlier gets the UI they want to work with and nobody is left out. “One size fits all” is not always possible. Especially not when it comes to clothes.
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Continuing the discussion from How can the data density be improved?:
The most ideal situation would be a slider (like the text size) options, with the most extreme on the right being the amount of spacing that previously was, in the middle, the data density that we have now, and on the left (with the highest data density), one single row.
Just a note of caution - we’re only seeing this who post here. How many thousands were in the original beta? How many are in this one? You might be right, but …
I agree with that sentiment.
getting used to it, but adjusting the breathing space along with the font size would be helpful.
I have long task descriptions that clash with defer and due dates, I was smiling when I worked with the original spacing, now, not so much.
Maybe density, with more contrast between the task and the metadata might help.
Continuing the discussion from How can the data density be improved?:
I think quite a significant number of us have tested the original beta (propensity for testing betas of productivity software suggests that we were equally as interested in testing the original version when it was first announced last year as well).
Sorry - I don’t think I was very clear. My point was that there are potentially thousands of OF2 beta users out there*, and only a very small proportion of that population is posting in this discussion. So we should be careful in drawing inferences about the feeling of the mass from those who are interested enough and dissatisfied enough to post here.
*Source: @kcase in the Omni blog said that the original beta had 30,000 participants.
Continuing the discussion from How can the data density be improved?:
Right ok.
There is the issue of the vocal minority, which can be bad (e.g. Most people on the MacRumors/official Apple forum are complaining about x issue, hence x issue is prevalent, but on the other hand, the satisfied majority won’t bother to post).
But on the other hand, productivity software is different. The most vocal people tend to be part of the group that will push the software to its maximum, due to their passion for productivity. Data density is a major UX issue that can’t just be ignored. The purpose of productivity software is to help you work, but if you can’t really get an overview of what’s happening because everything’s so spaced out, that’s a major issue.
I’ve mentioned earlier (I also started off the thread with an image of a possible compromise, with inspiration from Gmail) that it would be better if it was an option, like text size. With three major settings – how it used to be (‘comfortably spaced’, in Gmail’s lingo), how it is now (more data dense), and one-line (ultra dense)
Those are fair points, and I don’t disagree with any of them. My original caution was a response to this, from @jbarr:
“… but the VAST majority were very unhappy with the wasted space in OmniFocus 2 …”.
Clearly, Omni have accepted that some thought needs to be given to how to manage data density, so I think we can look forward to more flexibility than we have now (even though a really great solution might be some way off).
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Let’s try to avoid making assumptions or sweeping statements like “vast majority”. Forum posts are great sources of information, but they by no means should be construed as a representative sample of any population.
The feedback about any given issue is going to tend to skew towards the unhappy side, because unhappy people are more motivated to take action than happy ones. In many cases, the latter population would really rather get on about their day. As another example, this effect is why some developers feel the need to “encourage” positive reviews on the app store by various means.
It’s true that the change we made last week appears to have made more people happy than it did unhappy. We don’t have any plans to reverse it. Still, @noahread and @boldfish aren’t the only folks who feel the way they do; we’ve gotten emails. Their viewpoint is valid. They didn’t argue against the thing you wanted (and got) - they deserve the same courtesy in return.
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I didn’t argue against them. I said that the data density increase was a godsend for the vast majority (which it was), and that if I was in charge I’d accommodate everybody by having a slider in the preferences so that people can have the density they feel comfortable working with.
Chill.
Rhetoric designed to shut down discussion isn’t constructive, and you’ll see me weigh in against it.
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I see how it could have had that effect and +1 Liked your post.
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Thankfully, though, Omni software usually falls in that category…
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I’m beginning to wonder if the people clamouring for more data density are actually using GTD the way it’s intended. at the task level you should really only be viewing next actions, and a project review should be the only place you need to see all your next actions for the single project.
I loved the clean and open look of the new OF2 beta, but now I’m not as enamoured. Maybe I should have just waited.
You guys must have carefully considered the design originally - why are you tinkering with it now?
GTD is about focussing on what you can do right now, not being overwhelmed by everything you have to do.
:(
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Continuing the discussion from How can the data density be improved?:
There are only two references to GTD on the OmniFocus page. I believe that OF is a tool that can be used by anyone for productivity purposes, and as such, should be malleable to whatever workflow fits anyone. Data density is a relevant consideration.
It’s like buying a new car, but your visors have somehow become smaller for aesthetic purposes. Not exactly the most ideal situation in the world, in terms of safety.
In regards to tinkering with UX – mistakes happen. The first version of OmniFocus 2 was scrapped (after the iOS 7 reveal, Mavericks reveal, …), for those who have been testing since March of 2013.
In which case I vote for theme options in OF2, so we can tailor it to our preferred system for getting stuff done.
Omnifocus was born as a GTD system, if it’s no longer supporting that, then I’m no longer a fan.
:(
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Continuing the discussion from How can the data density be improved?:
It’s not that it no longer supports it – it’s just that its scope and its mission has expanded beyond just GTD to a more general-purpose application.
It’s like the Mac – used to be just for graphic designers, print editors and video production. It still does this kind of stuff, but it’s scope has expanded.
Continuing the discussion from How can the data density be improved?:
Hi Kened, there’s an existing thread over here talking about the issues of checkbox location and colour.
thanks savantier - you’re right - my remarks about the checkboxes and flags are not really connected with data-density directly, but my main point is about text styling and a response to boldfish’s on ‘tinkering with the design’.
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I agree with that, but i’d like to be able to do GTD with Omnifocus 2 which for me at least means seeing my next actions clearly.
I’ve no doubt I’ll get accustomed to it - As i said, I loved the original layout of the new beta. But I guess I’m not good with change!
