Enhancing User Experience Manuscript Build Settings Dialog Buttons

Manuscript build settings are crucial for writers using tools like NovelWriter. The user experience of these settings can significantly impact the writing workflow. This article delves into a discussion about improving the manuscript build settings dialog buttons in NovelWriter, focusing on clarity and user expectations. We will explore the current functionality, user perceptions, and suggestions for a more intuitive design. Let's dive in and see how we can make this process smoother for everyone!

Understanding the Current Button Behavior

Currently, the Manuscript Build Settings dialog in NovelWriter features three buttons: Apply, Close, and Save. The functionality of each button, while straightforward from a programmer's perspective, can be confusing for users.

The Role of the Apply Button

When you click the Apply button, it saves the changes you've made. This includes updating the name in the builds list if you've changed it. A subsequent Preview or Build action will reflect these changes. However, it's important to note that a Print action won't update until you've performed a Preview first. This inconsistency can be puzzling for users, as they might expect all actions to reflect the latest settings immediately. It's a point where user experience could be significantly improved by ensuring changes are consistently applied across all functions.

The Functionality of the Close Button

The Close button simply closes the dialog. However, its behavior regarding saving changes can be ambiguous. It keeps the changes applied so far but discards any subsequent modifications. This can lead to confusion, as users might not be sure whether their changes have been saved or not. The x-icon often associated with "Close" buttons typically implies a cancellation action, adding to the ambiguity. A clearer indication of whether changes are saved or discarded upon closing would greatly enhance the dialog's usability. A more intuitive approach would align its functionality with user expectations of a cancel action, discarding all changes made since the last save.

The Purpose of the Save Button

The Save button saves the changes and closes the dialog. The disk icon typically associated with saving implies that it only saves the changes, leaving users wondering why there's a separate Close button. In other NovelWriter dialogs, a Save button usually also closes the dialog, creating an inconsistency within the application itself. This deviation from the norm can lead to user confusion and a less efficient workflow. Consistency in button behavior across the application is paramount for a smooth and intuitive user experience.

How Users Perceive the Buttons

User perception is critical in interface design. The current button arrangement can lead to several misinterpretations and uncertainties.

User Expectations of the Apply Button

When users see an Apply button, they typically expect to see an immediate change or preview of their modifications. In the context of manuscript build settings, this would ideally mean an updated preview. However, the current implementation doesn't provide this immediate feedback. Users might not be sure if their changes have been saved or if they can be cancelled. The absence of a Cancel or Undo button further adds to the uncertainty. A more intuitive design would incorporate an automatic preview update upon clicking Apply, providing immediate visual feedback and reassurance to the user. This would greatly enhance the perceived responsiveness and usability of the dialog.

User Interpretation of the Close Button

The Close button's behavior can be particularly confusing. Users might not know whether closing the dialog saves their changes or not. While the x-icon suggests a Cancel function, the actual behavior is different. This discrepancy between visual cues and actual functionality can lead to errors and frustration. A clearer labeling or a more consistent behavior aligned with user expectations for a Cancel function is crucial. This might involve renaming the button or modifying its functionality to either save changes or discard them explicitly.

User Understanding of the Save Button

The Save button, with its disk icon, typically implies a save-only action. The presence of a separate Close button further reinforces this expectation. However, in the Manuscript Build Settings dialog, the Save button both saves changes and closes the dialog. This inconsistency with other NovelWriter dialogs and general user expectations can lead to confusion. Users might expect the dialog to remain open after saving, allowing them to make further adjustments. A more consistent approach, aligning with established conventions, would greatly improve the user experience.

Suggestions for Improvement

To enhance the user experience of the Manuscript Build Settings dialog, several improvements can be considered.

1. Implement Automatic Preview Updates with Apply

One of the most significant improvements would be to make the Apply button trigger an automatic preview update. This would ensure that the Print button behaves consistently and, more importantly, provide immediate visual feedback to the user. By seeing the effects of their changes instantly, users can make informed decisions and adjustments more efficiently. This change would eliminate the need to manually click Preview after each adjustment, streamlining the workflow and reducing the cognitive load on the user. Implementing this feature would significantly enhance the user experience by providing immediate visual confirmation of changes.

2. Reconsider the Close Button's Functionality

The Close button presents a challenge. Ideally, renaming it to Cancel would align it with user expectations and other dialogs. However, the current behavior of keeping some changes while discarding others makes a simple rename problematic. Implementing a rollback mechanism to revert to earlier settings could enable a true Cancel function. Alternatively, clarifying the button's behavior with a tooltip or a confirmation dialog could mitigate confusion. This would involve a more significant overhaul of the dialog's functionality to ensure a consistent and predictable user experience. A well-implemented Cancel function would provide users with a safety net, allowing them to experiment with settings without fear of irreversible changes.

3. Rename Save to OK with a Checkmark Icon

Consider renaming the Save button to OK and using a checkmark icon. This convention is widely used and clearly communicates that changes are saved and the dialog will close. While this change could be applied across all NovelWriter dialogs, the consistency it would bring to the user interface is invaluable. The OK button convention is well-understood by users, making the interface more intuitive and less prone to misinterpretation. This seemingly small change can have a significant positive impact on the overall user experience. Aligning the visual cues with the expected behavior helps users navigate the application more confidently.

Conclusion

Improving the Manuscript Build Settings dialog in NovelWriter can significantly enhance the user experience. By understanding how users perceive the current button behavior and implementing suggestions like automatic preview updates, a clearer Cancel function, and renaming Save to OK, we can create a more intuitive and efficient workflow for writers. Ultimately, these changes will contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable writing process. User feedback and continuous improvement are key to refining software interfaces and ensuring they meet the needs of their users. By addressing these issues, NovelWriter can further solidify its position as a user-friendly and powerful tool for writers. The goal is to empower writers to focus on their craft, not on deciphering confusing interface elements.