Time for a GUI / Icon refreshment

deeplow · September 2, 2020, 8:08am

Some other github issues related to usability:

Basic usability improvements to RPC dialog

opened 08:13PM - 26 May 20 UTC

T: enhancement C: core ux P: default

## The problem you're addressing (if any) In #5840, many concerns around usabil…ity and user comprehension were raised with the existing RPC dialog windows. In the discussion points, Marek made clarifications around scope and security concerns, and so this and #5853 have been created to split solution opportunities across 2 separate efforts. **Key concerns raised in #5840** - Filenames and many device details cannot be mentioned in the dialog, as both wd introduce vulnerabilities - Things more unique to each window than a single string of text that changes on a per-operation basis, would [require an API;](https://github.com/QubesOS/qubes-issues/issues/5840#issuecomment-633145566) which is not a lot of work, but is scope-creep on top of addressing some more basic usability concerns with the existing data presented. - Many such changes are opportune, however, and should be tracked in #5853 **This Issue is for** Basic, no-API-needed things to the dialog. **Where is the value to a user, and who might that user be?** All users, technical and non-technical, like plain-language as often as possible, as long as important details are not obfuscated or hidden. For the latter, they can be de-prioritized or hidden through progressive disclosure, for view on an as-needed basis. ## Proposed Solution - Replace `Operation Execution` with `Interqube Request` as the title-bar's text - Replace icon with a TBD created icon that uses the `QuteQube` artwork, Tango icons set styling, and speaks to inter-VM sharing concepts. - Alternately, use the "Magic" icon shown in some of the early mockups on #5840 - Eliminate line for "Operation," and include that information in the single line of descriptive text in the window. - Eliminate white background & outline behind Source VM - If a clear and concise plain-language string can be created for the Policy (such as `copy file to VM') use it—with the verbaitm policy language shown, below, in gray. - Spreadsheet to capture plain-language strings for all policies, [here in this Spreadsheet.](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Zh3DV6bHl9hI0q__pblTjNB2Ps2hn6yLgCmSGWgq2yA/edit?usp=sharing) - If no such plain-language string makes sense or is possible, show Policy string as shown in the `admin-vm` example, below. *First Mockups* ![SharedAcces_WithString](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/8262612/82945984-6e9ae100-9f52-11ea-99d2-4d239c4747e9.png) ![SharedAccess_WithoutString](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/8262612/82945999-72c6fe80-9f52-11ea-8049-d2fc8c3c02bd.png)

github.com/QubesOS/qubes-issues

Update "Create New Qube" menu icon

opened 07:23PM - 22 May 20 UTC

ninavizz

T: enhancement ux P: default C: app menu

_Child issue w/in ##5676_ **The problem you're addressing (if any)** Two con…cerns: 1. There are currently too many menu and tray items, with a Qubes "Q" icon on them. That is likely to cause confusion for users. A simple/black diamond (or something similarly generic) should be used imho, if no better option is available, for a thing. Usability issues herein, spoken to in #5806 2. When the QuteQubes icons go into production, it would be great to have an icon from that "family" to invoke the "Create New VM" GUI from the menu. **Describe the solution you'd like** Something like this. TBD final exporations or artwork. Would be nice if this could ship with the QuteQube icons. ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/8262612/82702475-ee5d3e80-9c26-11ea-9597-a91e5227f953.png) **Where is the value to a user, and who might that user be?** Semiotics. :)

github.com/QubesOS/qubes-issues

Redesign Qube Manager

opened 09:25PM - 21 Feb 20 UTC

ninavizz

T: enhancement C: manager/widget ux P: default

## Problem Qube Manager has multiple usability issues. ## Solution What us…er needs are and how this tool can better suit them—or, a different tool altogether—needs to be explored in user research. Then, a solution needs to be designed, iterated upon, tested with users, iterated upon further, and finally implemented. Implementation funding exists, but does not yet exist for the UX design and research work necessary to craft the best possible solution. TL;DR, get this funded and happening. This issue will be used to track progress on the design and user research, once funding comes through (and to whatever extent possible, sketches that may be done by the community or before funding is approved) :) ## Related Issues #5678, #1870 and [related project](https://github.com/QubesOS/qubes-issues/projects/3)

github.com/QubesOS/qubes-issues

Cute cube icons to replace padlocks, on VMs

opened 01:09AM - 21 Feb 20 UTC

closed 06:25AM - 11 Jul 21 UTC

ninavizz

T: enhancement C: artwork C: manager/widget release notes ux P: default C: app menu

## Problem The lock semiotic in the context of a UI typically means that an ite…m is restricted from being modified. In Qubes, it is extremely confusing seeing it used to denote containers, and containers of different security, permanence, and derivation properties. The ecosystem of VMs within Qubes should have their own family of icons, within which Template, Service, Disposable, and App qubes are more clearly distinguished. Also, everyone liked the cute-cube, so—here we are! ## Solution Implement cute-cube icons across GUI components that currently show VMs with a colored padlock. Note, that dom0 is shown w/ an icon in the below schema—it's just always shown at 60% alpha. The below also shows a magenta icon, which I'm not including in the deliverables as that does not yet exist as an optional qube color. ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/8262612/74997021-fb8d4600-5409-11ea-8d46-638d558df44a.png) Comments for iteration between delivered art, and screenshots of what they look like in various components w/in a build. My guess is that some iteration will be needed... :D

And here’s another discussion on a similar topic: