tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:/discussions/suggestions/155-new-interfaceInfinite Kind: Discussion 2011-04-07T08:31:03Ztag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/3135212009-08-19T03:29:26Z2009-08-19T03:29:26ZNew Interface<div><p>Personally, I love the interface. It is clean, utilitarian,
ad-free, and absolutely gives me all the information I need at a
glance. I will admit that it took some time to grow on me (having
switched from Quicken), but now I'm a total fan. I especially like
the calendar (with the indication of upcoming bills); the
interactive, clickable list of upcoming scheduled transactions; and
the list of memorized reports. Make sure you customize the home
screen in the Preferences.</p></div>John Seldentag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/3135212009-08-19T10:08:26Z2009-08-19T10:08:26ZNew Interface<div><p>Don,</p>
<p>I appreciate the sentiment of your inquiry to some extent.
Moneydance does look less fancy than Quicken or MSM for example
(although many would say less cluttered/bloated as well). But
functionality is where our focus is at the moment. Our aim is more
to be the most useful for the least amount of money (and without
future mandatory upgrades) rather than being the most flashily
appealing.</p>
<p>Honestly, we probably will not do a cosmetic overhaul of
Moneydance for some time (until we run out of ideas for functional
improvements to the software). Plus it is my general sense that
John's sentiments are common for longer term users.</p>
<p>Having said that, if you have specific suggestions (or even
general ones), please let us know what they are and we will
consider them (but I can't make any promises).</p></div>Brian Adlertag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/3135212009-08-19T16:27:45Z2009-08-19T16:27:47ZNew Interface<div><p>I appreciate the two gracious responses, and particularly the
idea of working on function over flash. I love the look of many of
these apps, but it seems the developers have worked on the
front-end features to the exclusion of many back-end features that
I -- and presumably many users -- have come to expect. I just wish
there were some middle ground.</p>
<p>A general suggestion would be to use a UI similar to that of
Mail, iTunes, or even the Finder: sidebar, tool bar, content
area(s). The idea is to make the application one that is familiar
to the user because s/he uses others like it. Adoption of
Moneydance could be greater if it were easier to use as a result of
familiarity. (Long-term users like John aside, if you want to grow
your base you will need to appeal to those who have never used your
software before.)</p>
<p>Some specifics in that regard:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>You're using a text button for the Action menu. Since OS 10.4,
users are familiar with an Action menu, although it's usually a
button with a gear icon. It also is generally used to access
commands to act on items in a list -- for example, accounts in a
sidebar. Instead, you've got at least two commands that are more
general in nature and which really ought to be under the File menu.
Every Mac user since 1984 has expected to see Print commands under
the File menu.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>I'd get rid of the Accounts menu. You already have those
functions under the Tools > Edit Accounts menu. Instead,
assuming you're using a sidebar, add buttons under the sidebar for
New Account and Actions (which would have items like Edit, Delete,
and Reconcile).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Similarly, use buttons under the transactions list (register)
for New Transaction, Delete, etc.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Instead of an Online menu/button, move those commands to the
menu bar.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Move the Budget viewer to a section at the bottom of the
sidebar, with a (I don't know the term for this) disclosure button
that hides/shows the viewer. See iTunes' cover art viewer for an
example.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Move the search field to the top right of the toolbar and use
the rest of the toolbar for buttons. Allow the user to customize
the toolbar (large icons, small icons, text only, no text) and even
hide it using the standard widget in the upper right corner of the
window.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Pardon the comparison, but Liquid Ledger, while it has a plain
interface, makes good use of these elements. (It, alas, suffers
from its own shortcomings, not the least of which is a moderated
support forum whose moderator is MIA.)</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p></div>Don Morristag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/3135212009-08-19T19:26:08Z2009-08-19T19:26:08ZNew Interface<div><p>Don,</p>
<p>As it happens, I had a discussion with our developer this
morning. We are implementing many interface changes in the upcoming
Moneydance 2010, many are consistent with your suggestions. I think
you will be pleased with this next version.</p>
<p>Best,</p>
<p>Brian</p></div>Brian Adler