SVG effects for Inkscape as a companion for Xara

[instinctive.de]

Inkscape's UI for SVG effects is a typical example of "Application made for programmers, not for users" (like so often with open-source stuff): It's too technical and incomprehensible for a normal person.

Let alone that I gave up playing with SVG effects after 5 minutes, because in those 5 minutes I had 3 crashes (In the stable version, that is)

[handrawn]

define 'user'
define 'technical'
define 'normal'


some 'normal' people might get a bit miffed at it being suggested they could be so technically illiterate, or so easily put off...

[instinctive.de]

define 'user'
define 'technical'
define 'normal'


some 'normal' people might get a bit miffed at it being suggested they could be so technically illiterate, or so easily put off...

You should have taken my post with a grain of salt (if that is the correct way to say it )

I'm pretty technical myself (developed something akin to Xtreme for in-house use here) - just that I try not to lose the sense for the requirements of users while I'm floating in my 11th-cloud-coding-spheres

[handrawn]

we say 'pinch' where I come from, not 'grain' - but its the same thing....

users are many and varied, its as well not to underestimate them - rather like voters they often understand more than they let on, especially the younger ones...

but sure I know what you mean - just sounded a bit posture-like to me, sorry if that was wrong

[instinctive.de]

It was not my intention to sound like that - I was rather criticising programmers losing connection with their userbase in general.

However, to get back on topic, I've played around with inkscape quite a lot and while it may be one of the better applications in the world of open-source, I still had the typical "Open-source feeling" while using it. It felt unfinished, slow, and somehow clunky. Same as with Gimp.

But I rather stop my "random bashing session" now!

[ivan louette]

It was not my intention to sound like that - I was rather criticising programmers losing connection with their userbase in general.

However, to get back on topic, I've played around with inkscape quite a lot and while it may be one of the better applications in the world of open-source, I still had the typical "Open-source feeling" while using it. It felt unfinished, slow, and somehow clunky. Same as with Gimp.

But I rather stop my "random bashing session" now!

Far from beeing a programmer I like Inkscape. I think any artistic technique needs some time to learn it. Not only computer arts : I renounced to learn oil painting because it was too technical for me... However I love great oil paintings !

But you are not alone concerning the UI. See also my previous post about UI : http://www.talkgraphics.com/showpost...0&postcount=55

kindly,
ivan

[handrawn]

I don't think inkscape programmers have lost touch with their userbase and that to me is the point ....

[ivan louette]

I have got this one while preparing my filters to put them on OpenClipart.

Stunning how it isolates so distinctly the right shapes !

enjoy,
ivan

[ivan louette]

I am beginning to upload revised and completed files. They are also reorganized by themes there.

http://openclipart.org/media/people/ivan_louette

enjoy !
ivan

[lutz]

Thanks! Looks like a great resource.