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Re: User interface design - Moe's long semiannual rant

Re: User interface design - Moe's long semiannual rant

2002-08-12 by rogerpellegrini

Paul kindly responded:

> The issue is one of stocking.

How about just one additional knob size?  Arguably, the inventory 
impact would be minimal.

> I will be the FIRST TO ADMIT that MOTM is plain. Boring. Simple. 
> Kind of like me :)

> Sorry! The panels are expensive enough without 4-color anodized  
> graphics.

Funny!  ;-)  But within the confines of the MOTM white on black 
palette, which is quite attractive, so much more can be done at 
limited or even zero marginal cost increase.  Personally, I'm hoping 
Moe's plans for future improvements will come to fruition.

And, for comparison/inspiration, one can see what has been done in 
the past and currently with modulars at this website:

http://www.synthesizers.com/formfactors.html

Best regards,
Roger

Re: User interface design - Moe's long semiannual rant

2002-08-12 by rogerpellegrini

Adam thoughtfully replied:

> I submit that it would be even more difficult to get people to
> agree on which functions in a given module are more important
> than others. 

Yes, but the layout of various modules would at least become 
differentiated through the prioritization of function within each 
module.  Then, it would be easy to find each module (it would look a 
bit different from the next).  And then, you could find your favorite 
function within each module easily, because you'd know it was either 
the "big knob" or the "little knob" under the "big knob".  

In any case, a glance at other modulars will show that in most cases, 
this has already been done.  FWIW, I believe that MOTM is the only 
major modular that adheres rigidly to: (a) grid pattern layout AND 
(b) same size/color knobs AND (c) jacks always under knobs AND (d) 
no "border" around modules.  

In the end, it's a stylistic choice, I guess.  (And I'll repeat the 
three cheers for Moe)!

Best regards,
Roger

Re: User interface design - Moe's long semiannual rant

2002-08-12 by mate_stubb

> I submit that it would be even more difficult to get people to
> agree on which functions in a given module are more important
> than others. 

Did you look at the CMS modular for instance, or the JH-5? You'll see 
mostly sensible choices such as: extra large knobs for tuning vcos 
and filters, extra small knobs for things like linear detune.

> In any case, a glance at other modulars will show that in most 
> cases, this has already been done. FWIW, I believe that MOTM is the 
> only major modular that adheres rigidly to: (a) grid pattern layout 
> AND (b) same size/color knobs AND (c) jacks always under knobs AND 
> (d) no "border" around modules. 

I'd say that Wiard belongs in the same category. It has an even more 
rigid grid (all modules have exactly the same number of knobs and 
jacks, all modules the same width), and the Celtic graphics on the 
face run together across modules and do not help differentiate module 
edges like a border would. Interestingly, the CMS doesn't have 
borders, but doesn't need them either - the flow diagram is directly 
depicted on the faceplace ala the Arp 2500.

Moe

Re: [motm] Re: User interface design - Moe's long semiannual rant

2002-08-13 by Adam Schabtach

> Yes, but the layout of various modules would at least become
> differentiated through the prioritization of function within each
> module.  Then, it would be easy to find each module (it would look a
> bit different from the next).  And then, you could find your favorite
> function within each module easily, because you'd know it was either
> the "big knob" or the "little knob" under the "big knob". 

Yes, I agree, except that I don't think that one could come up with a 
universally accepted prioritization of function even within a given 
module. But as I said somewhere else, this might be an arbitrary 
distinction. In other words, you could make some essentially random 
choice of knob sizes for a given module, and that would distinguish it 
from other modules, and yes the owner would soon learn and remember 
that the little knob is the important one (to them) in the case of a 
particular module.

However, I will seize this opportunity to mention that I don't find 
myself having any trouble locating my modules. I have about two dozen 
now, and already in the short time I've spent with my system, I fairly 
automatically know where any given module is. This is more a behavior 
of muscle memory than of visual recognition, i.e., my hand "knows" 
where the 420 filter is and is on its way there before I need to look 
for it. Perhaps this is because I have "only" two dozen modules, or 
perhaps it is because I put a good deal of thought into arranging my 
modules before I even started building them. Hey, it was a way to pass 
the time while waiting for my kits to arrive. :-)

> In the end, it's a stylistic choice, I guess. 

And a pragmatic one. Paul has stated that efficiency (and hence 
economy) of production is one of the motivations behind the MOTM 
design. I find that the design is very functional in use--maybe not 
flashy, but completely functional and not at all displeasing. As an 
assembler of kits, I appreciate the uniformity--it makes 'em easier to 
put together.

Anyway, it's a fun topic to kick around. I don't pretend to have 
answers, but I do have opinions. :-)

>  (And I'll repeat the
> three cheers for Moe)!

Oh, most definitely. Hey Moe, I've been meaning to thank you for the 
MOTM-compatible parts list on your site. It saved me a whole bunch of 
time recently.

--Adam

Live performers in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area

2002-08-13 by Don Relyea

Hello Motm-ers
If you know anyone who plays live electronic music of
any genre please have them contact me at don@...
for booking at a future Sub-Tronic. The Sub-tronic Theatre
is held every 3rd Friday of the month. The Liquid Lounge is
an intimate venue with a new stereo sound system.

It would be cool to showcase some performers with big modular
rigs. 
Regards,
Don


Friday Aug.16 --Laptops,Guitars,Glitch,electronic pop, downtempo
Stereo on Strike and Sub-Tronic Theatre present:
The Aleph
The Wild Bull Orkestra
Keef on Texas Toast
+ special guests
Friday Aug.16/Liquid Lounge/Dallas,TX

The Wild Bull Orkestra played the texas psyche fest
last week in Austin. The response was overwhelming.
This was the first time Wild Bull has played in a full
band format. Come check it out. Hopefully you will not
be dissapointed. Cheers!!!

Liquid Lounge is located at 2600 Main street in Deep Ellum
and is 17+ $5/$8

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