Sorting the blueprints database.

GlassDeviant

It would be nice to have the blueprints database be like the Data Bank, with an expandible/collapsible categorized list on the left and an encyclopaedic entry with image(s) on the right. For example, I am searching for the bioreactor now to get a materials list, but there are so many icons ordered only by newest to oldest discovery that I am just not finding it. In a list like I am proposing, it would be much easier to find.

Fathom

A search function may be neat, highlighting the row and framing the item you were looking for.

GlassDeviant

That would also be good, but I would consider it a half measure compared to a categorized blueprint database. Plus if you weren't sure about the name, it would be harder to search for, while with a list you would just expand the reactors or energy sources category to find my example bioreactor.

0x6A7232

The devs plan to work on this issue, it's in Trello. https://trello.com/unknownworlds (Subnautica Roadmap, I think)

GlassDeviant

hmm...I couldn't find it, but as long as it's in there I am content, maybe even mildly happy. I will go back to my thread about growing marblemelons now.

Phoenix223

Fathom wrote: »

A search function may be neat, highlighting the row and framing the item you were looking for.

I thought about this myself. A search filter would be a godsend. It would make looking through blueprints that much easier.

GlassDeviant wrote: »

It would be nice to have the blueprints database be like the Data Bank, with an expandible/collapsible categorized list on the left and an encyclopaedic entry with image(s) on the right. For example, I am searching for the bioreactor now to get a materials list, but there are so many icons ordered only by newest to oldest discovery that I am just not finding it. In a list like I am proposing, it would be much easier to find.

Even better. But some items may end up in multiple categories. For instance: Bioreactor would end up in Base and Power categories simultaneously.

A filter system with checkboxes might work even better:

O - Power

You get everything related to power: Batteries, all generators, etc. Looking for a specific item? Add more filters to narrow your search:

O - Base
O - Power
O - Interior

You get blueprints for the Bioreactor and Nuclear Reactor only. Conversely, filters can broaden your search as well:

O - Base
O - Power
O - Interior
O - Exterior <--- Add this filter

And you'll add Solar, Thermal, and Power Transmitters to the list.

GlassDeviant

Phoenix223 wrote: »

...Bioreactor would end up in Base and Power categories...

No, because a blueprints database would not need to have categoriss for everything, only the key aspect. We're not going for an exhaustive encyclopedia here, just basics. There just aren't enough items to make it worth turning the blueprints database into Google.

So all powerplants would appear under Powerplants for simplicity, otherwise you would have a Base category with all the powerplants and a Powerplants category with all the powerplants; but since modules can do so many things there would be a Modules category with subcategories for Cyclops, PRAWN and Seamoth, plus one for modules that can be used in more than one vehicle. Balancing simplicity and ease of use makes it quick and useful without becoming cumbersome by trying to burden it with feature overload. For fancy searches, there's the wiki.