Gary's Blog

Nice! Well worth the wait!

Thank you Gary.

It looks great I can wait to try it!!!!!!!;)

Nice. Thanks for the post

Definitely looking nice.

While initially attractive, a huge amount of screen real-estate is taken up to only show a small amount of data.  Would be better to use a smaller font and make better use of space.  I'll change the template to solve that, but I think that for many new customers - the screen looks non-businesslike.

> ... the screen looks non-businesslike.

This was my first impression too - looks like a page for child toys.

Not very impressed.

The ASPx demos from Demo Center look better...

This is definitely an improvement, but i hope that feedback from us is taken seriously, as we are the ones in the real client's offices, hearing all the issues. While definitely pretty, there are lots of ways to improve. Everyone get in on this and let's help shape this to be world-class.

Item #1 for me: please remove the footer links. There are very messy, wasteful, redundant and non-logically oriented.

Thanks Gary, this is appreciated.  drew..

Is there any reason the web-interface does not use ASPxNavbar? I have to agree with Alex that the amount of records/data shown is not what I would expect in a program.

By the way Screenshot_S_ implies more than one picture, did I miss something?

I agree on the fact that this layout is really for a non business application. End user prefer a usable and efficient interface than a fancy one.

I've attached a link to a YouTube presentation of MS CRM 4.0 web interface. I think it clearly demonstrates the features of a well-designed, web-based "business" UI. I particularly noticed that there is a deliberate design that includes standard features that make the user more productive. Specifically, all things that DevEx controls *already* provide but are not included in the provided example of the auto-generated page: These include advanced filtering, export, user-defined views, quick search, NavBar, drop-down menus, Tabbed documents...the list goes on. Here's the link: www.youtube.com/watch

Great link Linton, thanks! And i must agree with Robert, why not make xaf look inherently better by using all the cool dx tools, where it makes sense? This "new" interface is not really new.. it is not a redesign so much as moving the furniture around a bit and throwing on a coat of paint.

Work with *us*, let us provide feedback, collectively we could be your best free resource!

I tend to agree - and think that the Web UI of XAF has always been the weakest part of the entire offering. I also would like to see a more consistant look and feel with the ASPX tools.

Well some love it, some do not. It's always the same with design isn't it, you get 5 people together and ask their opinion and you are bound to get at least three differing opinions. Good job we made it themeable, that way you can customise it to your heart's content.

Just as  a tease, the program manager for XAF tells me there will be another theme shipping to, a more business like theme. I'll try and get a screen shot of it for you. :-)

Hey Gary, please don't take this topic lightly. We dissenters are not as concerned with prettier colors so much as business functionality. Hence, Linton's link. This is something we would have brought up far more vocally had we been privy to any re-design considerations.  

Functionality vs Pretty. This is fundamental to future success. Pretty has its' place, but pales to function when sitting in a client's office showing features.

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[Gary Short (Developer Express)]

"Just as  a tease, the program manager for XAF tells me there will be another theme shipping to, a more business like theme. I'll try and get a screen shot of it for you. :-)"

Any chance these are ready yet?

TIA -- Linton

Linton, I spoke to the Program Manger and he says it's not ready yet but will ship with 9.1

I would like to suggest that when clients take the time to suggest strongly regarding particular items that their concerns be addressed. There were strong thoughts above regarding the validity of the new layout and the directions we are hoping for. Can you (Gary) or somebody please respond to the efforts we take to be involved. thanks.

Drew,

As an evangelist I can assure you that I pass on all comments and comment threads, like this one, to the appropriate program manager.

I dunno... I actually like this new interface a lot more than the MS Dynamics CRM one. I don't see why "business-like" has to mean "outlook clone". I find that more often than not "serious" applications have to have the same rigid, partitioned look. The new XAF UI looks to me more friendly and easy on the eyes.

I agree that when it comes to functionality vs looks, functionality has greater importance; but the appearance of software can also have an effect on the overall usage experience, even if it's subconscious. So long the design doesn't adversely affect my productivity, I welcome the spiffy new looks.

Of course, appearance are subjective so to each his own I guess. I happen to like this one. =)