Diegetic Statpanels

[ike709]

Read the proposal.

[mirrorcult]

kino

[deathride58]

The looming issue we see with this is compatibility with the default UI layout. It might be worth putting design consideration towards a transparent mode (or similar) for the PDA UI, as that'd allow the idea to work pretty well even for default UI, but that's likely out of scope for this proposal.

That aside, this is a pretty good writeup! We are strongly in support of this, as it'd make the PDA and its functionality far more discoverable, among other accessibility benefits (especially if PDAs are ever given an actual practical use)

[ike709]

Simple solution: Make oldchat the default layout.

[LankLTE]

This seems relatively unnecessary compared to just opening the PDA and setting it there, if I understand, but it’s fine to have as a button still I guess. Main thing is that it really should support the default UI somehow (which has already been discussed to not be changing to oldchat).

[LankLTE]

Please don't just argue here about a definition that matters relatively little to the actual proposal.

[Ygg01]

OK, fine you want my input. Here it is. Check it for 10 Usability Heuristics.

1: Visibility of system status

Optional: Diegetic Game Settings

This is one of the spicier ideas, but out-of-character menus like the guidebook or the game's audio settings could be moved to a PDA tab. A big problem is that we'd need an elegant way to make sure the player can still access these if they lose their PDA.

GTFO. Never in a million years should losing an item result in losing your settings. Triply so in a multiplayer setting.

This design document is focused on the first item: the Status tab. I believe that certain basic information should be conveyed to the player almost always.

If it's to be communicated always, then don't make it losable. User convenience trumps immersion.

Require In-Hand - Require having the PDA in the player's active hand to use programs. This is my least favorite option.

I'm surprised that you didn't choose the most immersive option. This is a Diegetic UI, right? Other than that I agree, but you're moving away from what Diegetic.

2: Match between system and real world

Optional: Map Tab

Good suggestion. Everyone today is aware of or has worked with GPS and YOU ARE HERE MAPS while useful lack the features of an average Maps app.

4: Consistency and standards

This UI is strongly going against SS14 conventions and prefers SS13 conventions (old chat style). I don't have a strong opinion on either. Especially making old-chat mandatory. However it's a point against it.

Bonus Round

Fitt's law

Placing the UI to the side rather than center of screen, will make it easier to be reached assuming window is maximized and screen is limited. So having it in old chat will be faster, and thus what we in parlance call a pro gamer move.

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Rest of the principles aren't affected much, or I don't have much to add at this point.

[ike709]

ITT: wanting to improve the game but everyone is too busy arguing about what diegetic means instead

[Errant-4]

One thing to keep in mind is that everything moved to the PDA will be limited from being viewed at the same time. For example, if the Guidebook moves to the PDA, you can no longer keep it open while also looking at your Notes

I guess this can either be seen as a feature or as an issue

[Jezithyr]

I'm a big fan of this idea, it adds additional game play possibilities for antags and players alike. Plus it's very immersive! I've never been a fan of the magical stats panel, it always just seems gamey and cheap. Tying status/emergency announcements to the PDA means that there is the possibility of people being caught unaware of the alert level which is something that aligns very well with the SS14's design pillar of Chaos.

I don't see any major issues with this UX or UI wise, other than implementing this will make the rest of our UI look worse 😝. Proposal approved :)