Unfortunately
there is no IRC application I know
(neither Linux nor Windows) which
has an acceptable user interface
and a minimum of needed features.
Your app really could make a difference
here. But there are many things
you can do to improve the interface
of your application which don't
require a UI designer. Are the
screenshots on your page current?
If so, please consider:
1) Why has your app no toolbar?
All KDE apps have one (even
configurable). The main window
would look so much more pleasant
if it contained some colourful icons.
You don't have to desing most of
them. They come with KDE. If
some are missing for special functions
they can often be made by
combining / altering existing ones.
This is even good practice because
all icons should share the same look.
2) More space for your dialogue windows!
Don't try to make the dialogue windows
so small they are just able to contain
the control elements within. More
space (not too much) is good to
organize / structure elements. Keep
related elements closer together,
then make a small gap. And use the
new gained space for more descriptive
labels i.e. "Which IRC server do you want
to connect to?" instead of "Server:".
Never use abbreviations like
"Altern. Nick". Take more space
and avoid putting 2 elements
horizontally next to each. Instead
start a new line. Then write i.e.
"Alternative Nickname (automatically
selected in case the first one is in use).
3) Is a status window with MOTD
really necessary? I know this is
a major break with all IRC applications
but that's why I consider them badly
designed. Note that this does not
mean you have to reduce functionality.
A connected / disconnected icon
in the status bar could inform the user
if he's connected and the status windows
could open via a special button.
4) On startup there could be
a "Welcome" page:
"Welcome to KMyIRC!
This application enables to chat
with friends all over the world...,
There are various IRC networks,...
Please select an IRC server: ...
Please select a user name: ...
[Connect]
5) After that the window should
change into list of available channels.
I suggest you look more at how
a well designed web chat works instead
of looking at IRC applications which
are often absolutely horrible in terms
of UI design. This does not mean
that you have to reduce any functionality!
It's all a question of how you organize
it and how you hide advanced functions
away to not confuse a first-time use
but easily accessible for a more experienced user. Example: You don't
have to put the status windows
completely away. If you first log on
there is no status window, because
novice users usually don't need it.
But a more experienced user can
find it in the "View" menu: "Show
status window". A dialogue window
appears "[x] Show status window
everytime I log in". You get the idea...
If after all this far more important
basic UI still some icons / graphics
are needed then I'm sure a lot of people
will help out.

Hi,

first thank you for your proposals.
As I said in my kde-look.org "cry for help", neither I'm an artist, nor I'm a good UI designer.
I'm designing the dialogs and UI in common, as I use them.
The Problem with all open-source projects, which are not maintained through the "global community" is,
that some hundred people are using them, but only 2 or 3 are reporting those issues.
So, can you do me a favour, please provide some "this is what I think the user need" screenshots,
or register at sf.net and help me working on the project.
I'm alone with this project, so I can need help in coding, styling etc.

After all, this is not only for you, but for all the others, who want to have nice applications for kde, gnome or other GUI enviroments.

thx,

\sh

I've been thinking about this for a few days now, and your submission has brought it back into my head. There ought to be a site, or a section of KDE-Look, where programmers can request help from aritsts.

KOffice and Kopete have already done this, now you're doing it, and I was going to do it until a friend helped me out for my project (QuickRip).

Perhaps Frank can add a section to KDE-Look?

nice idea.
and yes, I think I'm not the only one with this problem.

regards,

\sh