> Of course this is not without its problems.  A recent drama with her use
> of Corel Draw was that a theme option had been inadvertently set to
> 'Photoshop' so none of the controls were in the expected place!

Yes, this is why it's better to improve existing tools rather than hide them. Inkscape does not have very many tools compared to other graphics software. Adobe, for example, loves to make a tool for everything, even if the tool does essentially the same thing as others. Less tools with more controls keeps the tool pallet less cluttered.

It's often better to take a little time to use the tools and see what they do. It will save a lot of time to know shortcuts and expands what you can accomplish in Inkscape.

-C

>
> Best wishes
> John
>
> On 09/04/2016 17:08, Riccardo Bernardini wrote:
> > Just my 0.02 Euro by "gut feeling." First, a bit of background about me: graphics is not my profession.  I work in the field of DSP and I use inkscape to make the pictures I use in my papers.  I am not a professional programmer, but I code as part of my job (testing out new algorithms). I contributed a tiny bit to inkscape (correcting two bugs).
> >
> > I like the idea of a configurable interface, maybe "profiled."  Depending on your needs, you can load a specific profile that it makes it easier to reach what you use most.  Although the idea is intriguing, I am afraid that it is not exactly trivial.  I have almost no experience with GUIs, but I believe that it is not easy to create an easy to use interface, let it alone to develop and maintain many different interfaces.  (BTW, I like the current inkscape interface)
> >
> > About documentation: I learnt using inkscape by means of the tutorials.  I must say (my own personal opinion, of course) that I like them: they are easy to follow, you can experiment while you read (nice idea to have them in SVG!) and they give you a very wide overview of the possibilities of inkscape.  Of course, before reaching full speed you need to do some experience...
> >
> > --
> > Riccardo Bernardini
> > Tel          : +39-0432-55-8271
> > skype    :  bernardini.riccardo
> > LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccardobernardini
> > ________________________________________
> > Da: Brynn [brynn@...3133...]
> > Inviato: sabato 9 aprile 2016 03.35
> > A: Shlomi Fish; John Billingsley
> > Cc: inkscape-devel@lists.sourceforge.net; ros@...3372...
> > Oggetto: Re: [Inkscape-devel] Artist appeal
> >
> > First, I should say that I'm not a developer, but only a user of Inkscape,
> > and only as a hobby.  (Although I've been helping with the development of
> > the website, in a non-coding way.)  So I can't respond to development.  But
> > for this comment:
> >
> > "> My first suggestion is that you show a 'newcomer' option when the
> >> software is first loaded.  Only three or four pen settings are offered
> >> and most of the other tools are hidden.  On the basic pen, pressure
> >> changes width, rather than opacity.  Instructions and hints are directed
> >> to enabling more of the features - when the user is ready for them."
> > The problem with that is that not all newcomers are artists, and not all
> > artists are sketch artists (or cartoon artist).  But I like the general
> > idea.  Maybe a "simple" version, with only basic tools (shapes, Pencil, Pen,
> > Node, Zoom, Text) (maybe Dropper).
> >
> > Without development skills, I'm not sure if having only certain tools
> > installed would be a good or bad idea.  When someone is ready to move beyond
> > the basics, do they have to reinstall, and choose the "full" version?  Or
> > should there be some other way to temporarily conceal advanced tools?  Maybe
> > Inkscape could be installed normally, but there could be added some kind of
> > visual cue about basic or advanced tools or features (like maybe
> > icon/buttons have a thin border, around the button like rounded rectangle,
> > not like a stroke around the icon figure).  Menu items maybe are highlighted
> > somehow, or certain text color.
> >
> > However, that might be excluding key shortcuts.  I don't know how it could
> > be indicated as to whether key shortcuts are for a basic feature or an
> > advanced feature.  I typically only use buttons and menus, but I know I'm in
> > the minority.  Most people heavily use key shortcuts, in my experience.  Or
> > maybe key shortcuts would be considered entirely as advanced?  And basic
> > usage would focus on buttons and menus??
> >
> > I also wanted to say that there are a few of us who have been wanting a
> > manual that is more helpful for beginners, and perhaps even graphics
> > novices -- one which teaches Inkscape in a step by step way.  The current
> > "official" Inkscape manual is extremely thorough, and very good for
> > intermediate to advanced users.  But newbies can't use it very well.  I
> > remember when I first started, I thought "If only I knew the proper
> > terminology, I could find what I need in this manual."  It was only after
> > reading in forums where I learned the right terminology, and then I could
> > start using the manual on my own.
> >
> > So we may be finally on our way to starting on this project.  A French team
> > had created the first chapter of such a manual.  But before it can be used
> > as a template for a full manual, it needs to be translated to English.  And
> > that's the part that it sounds like is about to happen.  Then we should
> > probably start forming a team, and working out some kind of logistics, for
> > the best production routine.
> >
> > Anyway, do you think it would be helpful to have such a manual?  Or do you
> > think it would be better to give Inkscape something like an on-canvas
> > tutorial?
> >
> > (I wonder if this new manual could be a series of Inkscape SVG files??
> >   Oh -- I'm very excited about that idea!  Because if it were a series of
> > Inkscape SVG files, it would be easier to have it packed with Inkscape --
> > another much wanted feature!  Not sure if it would actually work though?)
> >
> > Thanks for bringing up this subject.  I hope we can keep it going, and make
> > Inkscape more attractive to beginners.
> >
> > All best,
> > brynn
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> > From: "John Billingsley" <john@...3371...>
> > Sent: Friday, April 08, 2016 6:15 PM
> > To: "Shlomi Fish" <shlomif@...2985...>
> > Cc: <inkscape-devel@lists.sourceforge.net>; <ros@...3372...>
> > Subject: [Inkscape-devel] Artist appeal
> >
> >> Inkscape contains an impressive quantity of features - and that is one
> >> of its problems!
> >> My artist wife's first concern is to produce artwork, at present in the
> >> form of cartoon strips or illustrations for children's books. In order
> >> to get started on her latest projects she has been attracted by some of
> >> the simple doodling applications such as the one in OneNote, but of
> >> course to go further she needs to use vector graphics rather than bitmaps.
> >> For several decades now she has adapted to the increasing complexity of
> >> the Corel graphics suite, tolerating rather than welcoming the new
> >> features that push up the price.  Inkscape can do all that Corel can do,
> >> but finding a way through the menus can be a problem.
> >>
> >> My first suggestion is that you show a 'newcomer' option when the
> >> software is first loaded.  Only three or four pen settings are offered
> >> and most of the other tools are hidden.  On the basic pen, pressure
> >> changes width, rather than opacity.  Instructions and hints are directed
> >> to enabling more of the features - when the user is ready for them.
> >>
> >> Find an artist friend who knows nothing about graphics software, if you
> >> can, and watch them as they start to use Inkscape.
> >>
> >> Best wishes
> >> John
> >>
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