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General discussion

Need feedback on arrow size

Jul 30, 2004 7:30AM PDT

Since many of you suggest we changed the size of the arrows for better viewing of what has been read and unread, what is reasonable size you would suggest?

Currently it is at 8 x 10 pixels
I can increase the size, but I cannot make it too big because I still have to maintain the sites look and feel, so please let me hear what you have in mind?

Would 10x12 be enough?

Let me know..
Thanks!
-Lee

Discussion is locked

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(NT) (NT) That looks good to me... how about color intensity?
Jul 30, 2004 7:35AM PDT
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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 7:47AM PDT

till i see how can i tellHappy

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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 8:14AM PDT

10x12 or 11x13 I think would be good.

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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 8:17AM PDT

I think 11X13 would be better for some of our members.
I am having no problem with the current size, but I know others are.
A nice bright color would be nice. There needs to be more of a contrast in the colors.
Glenda

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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 8:46AM PDT

True. Especially the red and orange. When I took my webdesign class we talked alla bout usability for color blind people so i'd like to suggest maybe to different symboole shapes. Since the arrows are different picture it shouldn't be any more trouble just to make a different shape- with a different color. Although then arrows look consistant and a different symbole might take too much attention and might look confusing. Just a thought.

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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 9:03AM PDT

I like the idea of different symbolsHappy That way you could look at it and not have to guess at the colorHappy
Glenda

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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 9:12AM PDT

Arrow combination is another one... have two arrows for new message... one arrow for read...etc

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Here's how it looks at 14x18, a size I like.
Jul 30, 2004 9:27AM PDT
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Re: Here's how it looks at 14x18, a size I like.
Jul 30, 2004 9:29AM PDT

Personally I think that's too big. You have to image hundreds of those big arrows underneath eachother. It's going to seem to crowded.

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It's about the size of a capital letter in the line, which
Jul 30, 2004 9:36AM PDT

if it's bigger then an arrow that's the same size as a capital in the print should be about right.

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Re: Here's how it looks at 14x18, a size I like.
Jul 30, 2004 9:35AM PDT

Looks good to me James. Only make it darker.

George

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Just for you.
Jul 30, 2004 10:01AM PDT
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Re: Just for you.
Jul 30, 2004 10:28AM PDT

Yep, we are getting there. Now how bout a little tail on there. -> Any stars to show?

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Re: Here's how it looks at 14x18, a size I like.
Jul 30, 2004 9:47AM PDT

much bettererHappy

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(NT) (NT) I can't make it that big...it will have to be 10x12 or
Aug 3, 2004 3:48AM PDT
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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 9:31AM PDT

I would say as large as possible not knowing how much larger 10X12 or 11X13 would make it. Dark Red or maybe Black? Good job with the new changes Lee.

George

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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 9:37AM PDT

I tried it on my computerm with the 10x12 and 11x13 I think that's just fine.

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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 9:47AM PDT

Hi Sovereign. Not knowing the Specs. involved a different symbol as Glenda suggested like a Star maybe?

George

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Re: Need feedback on arrow size
Jul 30, 2004 9:50AM PDT

A little star for new message or unread would be an idea.

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Thanks for all the feedback folks
Aug 3, 2004 6:16AM PDT

Size of the icons will change for sure to either 10x12 or 11x13, we'll see how it fits.

I think the gray arrows can stay as "Read" since it blends in nicely and is not very noticible.

However "Unread" and "New" arrows definitely need to stand out more and can be easily differentiated.

I know that the red and orange colors are difficult for some people to differentiate, if I were to change the shape of the icon to like a circle for New posts in the forum pages would that be would that be okay?

So here are the scenarios:

Forum pages (ie. Windows XP):

- Size: 10x12 or 11x13 pixels icon

- Red ball (moderator red): for New Messages in Discussions

- Grey Arrow: for Read Dicussions

- Orange Arrows: for Unread Discussions

Discussion Tree:

- Size: 10x12 or 11x13 pixels icon

- Grey Arrow: for Read posts

- Orange Arrows: for Unread posts

Remember that the all read, unread, and new posts icons will be larger in size, so it will be easier to identify.

I'm trying not to stray away from the overall look and feel of the forums.

So please let me know what you all think.

Thanks!
-Lee

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Re: Thanks for all the feedback folks
Aug 3, 2004 6:24AM PDT

The grey arrows need to go, they're eyeball clutter and detract from function by making unread and new harder to spot. Functionality comes way before "look and feel."

DE

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Re: Thanks for all the feedback folks
Aug 3, 2004 7:27AM PDT

I like the grey arrows. I almost don't notice them and they are a solid color and blend in.

I think what you said is good (Lee) with the dot, arrows and colors.

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Re: Thanks for all the feedback folks
Aug 3, 2004 4:08PM PDT

> I like the grey arrows. I almost don't notice them and they are a solid color and blend in.

My whole point here is that the mind and eye shouldn't notice the read messages at all. The mind and eye should focus on only unread and new posts. White arrows for read posts would REALLY blend in. You wouldn't notice the invisible white arrows at all, and that is as it should be because grey arrows for read posts are nothing but eye clutter, and distracting mind clutter, that serve no useful purpose whatsoever. Grey arrows for unread posts detract from functionality.

I agree with the other things though: larger shapes, with two different colors and two different shapes for unread and new.

DE

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Re: Thanks for all the feedback folks
Aug 4, 2004 3:01AM PDT

You know either way would be fine with me. It doesn't bother me Happy.

Regards,
Ryan Sechrest

[email this member]
---------------------------------------------------------------------->
"Any technology significantly advanced enough
is indistinguishable from magic." Arthur C. Clark
<---------------------------------------------------------------------

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Already used' to Grey Arrows....
Aug 3, 2004 8:51AM PDT

they should stay IMO.

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The grey arrows don't stand out which is ideal
Aug 3, 2004 9:04AM PDT

for "Read" discussions. What should standout is what hasn't been read and what's new.

If you ask me, the grey almost blends in with the subject line--very subtle.

Dave, I agree functionality should come before look and feel, that why I'm implementing these changes or else I wouldn't have bothered. I can't just throw bright flashing pink and green arrows everywhere, I have to consider our site's standards, if this was my own site where I'm not subject to rules and regulations, I would've already used strobing neon indicators for unread messages.

-Lee

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Re: The grey arrows don't stand out which is ideal
Aug 3, 2004 12:08PM PDT

I never wanted flashing pink and green arrows everywhere, I just thought that turning the grey arrows to white whould better serve the purpose of distinguising read, unread and new posts by reducing eyeball clutter.

If you must keep the grey arrows, maybe you could leave them the small size they are right now. Still though, I say they should be white because they serve no useful purpose.

If the larger yellow arrows are still hard to see, you could put a thin black border around them. That would greatly increase the contrast.

DE

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[i]Stand[/i] : Up / To / For / In / Down / Out ?
Aug 3, 2004 8:32PM PDT
Stand For:

Q: Still though, I say they should be white because they serve no useful purpose.

A: I have to consider our site's standards


Interpretation: there is an upper decision person (s) and / or company's page layout rules.

Corollary: "Stand Up For white" vs. "not Stand Out grey" arrows - - > Stand Down


This was my today's English lesson Wink


Cetin


Trying to unweave, unwind, unravel
And piece together the past and the future,


T. S. Eliot
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I like your scenarios....
Aug 3, 2004 8:55AM PDT

The size is a great help and I like the 'grey'.

JR

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Re: Thanks for all the feedback folks
Aug 3, 2004 10:36AM PDT

The grey arrow is just fine with me. Your other scenarios are equally good. Lee, I wish to compliment you and all the good folks for the nice improvements to the forums. It is a real pleasure to quickly browse without the previous slow motion. Cool

Happy

Glenn