Commander UI 158 Ideas

xVisionsxVisions Join Date: 2009-07-03 Member: 68021Members
in Ideas and Suggestions
<div class="IPBDescription">Constructive posts only please.</div>Well 158 i definitely like a lot more as a commander...but here are some more ideas.

-Older versions of mock in this thread, build 156.
<a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=111606" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...howtopic=111606</a>


-The squad bubble mock picture is kind of not so savvy as I had a few too many by the end of this.

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/LlNd8.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/PVoR8.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/h5iep.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/vFzDE.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
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Comments

  • l3lessedl3lessed Join Date: 2010-06-07 Member: 71977Members
    l like that you implemented the idea I came up with for quick medpack/ammo drop.
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  • RuntehRunteh Join Date: 2010-06-26 Member: 72163Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    Loving all these UI mock ups - I like the way that marines have to request 'health' or 'ammo' for that to be made clear to the commander.

    The only issue I see is that you have to use the radio menu, and I still think it would be better if when someone communicated a request, you just press a health or ammo button next to their name.

    The recent build has actually made things easier in regards to drops, as the UI has gotten a lot smoother.
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  • whoppaXXLwhoppaXXL Join Date: 2006-11-03 Member: 58298Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    I like the Idea about the Squad recognizability with glowing Colors out of the rines a lot. Good Suggestions!
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  • xVisionsxVisions Join Date: 2009-07-03 Member: 68021Members
    edited December 2010
    <!--quoteo(post=1813565:date=Dec 5 2010, 04:54 AM:name=Runteh)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Runteh @ Dec 5 2010, 04:54 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1813565"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The only issue I see is that you have to use the radio menu, and I still think it would be better if when someone communicated a request, you just press a health or ammo button next to their name.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Do you mean a button next to the mic communication?

    The radio option I sort of intended that if you click the icon next to there name it would drop a pack on them.

    If i was a marine I would create binds to just press 1 button to request health or ammo with above system.

    -To the post below.. i don't really see any point to having the squads tied together with a circle(current) or any lines connecting them. Having each marine accented with squad color at all times would be fine.. unless they are planning something secret when squads are grouped up
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  • ScardyBobScardyBob ScardyBob Join Date: 2009-11-25 Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1813501:date=Dec 4 2010, 09:36 PM:name=xVisions)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xVisions @ Dec 4 2010, 09:36 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1813501"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h5iep.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I like the effect, but it needs to be made smaller (e.g. a small colored circle around each marine connected by a thin line). I've had problems where when I try to select a MAC or building within an squad area of effect, it selects the squad instead.
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  • freschfresch Join Date: 2010-11-22 Member: 75169Members
    Heh, was going to start my own thread for some UI ideas I've had... but then saw this one.

    My ideas basically boil down to reducing the amount of mouse-travel commanders have to do to perform actions. Sure, there are keyboard shortcuts for almost everything, but that doesn't exclude improving the mouse interface. Also, I think, the StarCraft-style interface is *not* the pinnacle of user interface design. It's actually more of dinosaur of user interface design. It was born in a time of very limited screen and computing resources. So, while Blizzard may continue nurturing their own personal baby, I don't quite get why UWE keeps it around for NS2.

    So here are some mockups:

    <img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/vqs375.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

    <img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/zlbwc5.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

    <img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/9j0s60.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

    By moving actions for structures actually to the structures, it improves the "semantic coherence" (or something like that). Also it is now possible to free up some of the *vertical space* used by the StarCraft-style interface. And this is important because wide screens are becoming increasingly common and they have more horizontal space than vertical space.
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  • RuntehRunteh Join Date: 2010-06-26 Member: 72163Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    I agree on the whole 'dinosaur' comment. Nothing new in game UI in a while... especially when it comes to a more integrated and on line communicative experiences.

    There is actually a 'Draw GUI on World' to do on the progress list. I am guessing that is it...

    On the last one I would have the recycle button south of the upgrade button - to prevent it accidentally being pushed whilst in a rush.
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  • freschfresch Join Date: 2010-11-22 Member: 75169Members
    @Runteh: Yeah, that was a bit slap-dash tacked on there as an after-thought. I initially wanted to place it south but some of the structures (the armory) actually have so many more actions, it would be really awkward putting them only in three of four possible directions.

    Which reminds me, UWE, you need to move some of the armory options to something else. Once the Jetpack, Heavy Armor, Minigun, and their upgrades are implemented, the Armory will have WAY more importance and actions than all other structures combined.

    I agree with the concerns about the current squad interface, way too bulky and blocking. Really like the idea of the "fast-response"-buttons for meds and ammo, it's always such a hassle to try and drop one on the team mate that really needs it, especially if said team mate is hopping like crazy to escape some attacking Skulks.

    Actually, I like all of the previous ideas. I end up as commander quite often and I totally would like having more information available to me.
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  • RuntehRunteh Join Date: 2010-06-26 Member: 72163Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    I think you would have to have the buttons organised in a circle around the structure, because if another structure is near by they will cover it. It is probably the more efficient use of space as well.
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  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    edited December 2010
    Good ideas here, but about that recycle button. I'd rather it was only available on the HUD not on the structure popup menu. I like that ingame popup menu though! But maybe a wheel like menu would be better?
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  • _Thresh__Thresh_ Join Date: 2008-01-11 Member: 63385Members
    Medpack hotbutton + 1

    Marine overview controls + 1

    Structural radial menus + 1

    good ideas
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