I like Nostr because it challenges many paradigms, including those of interfaces and user interactions, and forces those who build it to think critically outside the box.
I was working on a new design for Blowater by nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnyv9kh2uewd9hj7qgewaehxw309aex2mrp0yhxymr0washgetj9eshqup0qy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uqzq6ua4ysvfdhvhukpyqv20gk3gw6dlhuc0rpmatrfuwdmt9uyrnrwufzavy and asked myself: the bubbles UI, typical of chat programs we are used to, is really the best and so inevitable solution?
Quick valuation:
- Pros: it makes clear the two parts in a conversation, both with the position and the colors.
- Cons: it reduces the width available space; it gives equal importance to the two parts, while the user is usually interested on the content by the other part; doesn't scale naturally to group chat.
This is an alternative solution that came out.
In linear structure with full width available; other part messages are prominent while their own are dimmed and collapsible to save space.
The line on the right permits to immediately spot the conversation flow/frequency, also on rapid scrolling.
Can adapt to groups putting a minimal profile pic near the date and customizing the right line with the main color picked from the pic itself.
What do you think?
#nostrdesign #asknostr
This is just 2002 era IRC chat. It lost to better UIs.
Full width is just never desirable. Psychologically, we just need breathing room. Empty space is not wasted, it serves a purpose.
But as you said, Nostr can allow for people to experiment. So if you really believe in it, go for it. Usually a bad sign though if you have to explain to someone why a UI is good
Actually you guessed it, I was thinking about IRC while I was drawing it! :)
(and I don't think it lost for that reason)
I am absolutely in favor of spacious interfaces, in fact as you can see between messages there is more space than any other application. But on a mobile we can't ignore the small space, so other solutions like using the full width and compacting not so useful information (progressive disclosure approach) can help.
I did not say it is better, I asked for opinions. This is just a mockup and lacks the whole interactive and feedback part, which is critical to verify usability, so your idea of self-explanation cannot fully work here. Insights and feedback are important before proceeding with development, we are here to share, if you want to join you are welcome.
