Plasticity User Interface
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Nicholas Fox
For what it has, in my opinion, Plasticity, unlike other programs such as Solidworks, is sadly lacking in the interface it presents to the user. While the 'F' key works to display commands, it's really a bit of a quick solution rather than being the type of interface we have come to expect that other programs use in operating systems such as Windows. Having to remember a whole host of commands when you bring up the 'F' menu and/or store them as an icon in favorites is not the best solution, although it is a solution of sorts. I know the Plasticity team is small, but there is a definite need to engage an interface designer - somebody who knows how to design an interface and its icons - that would make Plasticity better for the end user - people like you and me. Plasticity is growing in both capability and the size of it's command base. I think that the current interface will eventually reach a stage, if it already hasn't done so, where the use of the 'F' popup will no longer be the efficient way to go. It seems to me that it is starting to reach that stage already as more and more commands are added with every update. As humans we see and understand with our eyes, and icons make the process of 3D modeling a whole lot easier.
Mark McCoy
Ive said something similar in the past. Im more of a visual person and prefer a "button" over a "hot key" any day. I know its faster with hot keys but my brain just doesnt work that way. As for the "F" key to bring up a list of all commands, I find that troublesome as well being new to the program. If im looking for the "trim" command for example; what if I dont know there is one or doent know what its called...trim, cut, bisect, whatever, How is looking through a long list going to help? I look over in a tool bar somewhere and there is an icon with a pair of scissors for example. Im pretty sure thats going to do what I want.
It can have hot keys associated with it but give me the option of clicking a button.
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Mat
I personally hotkey all the commands I use a lot… it then becomes muscle memory, like playing an instrument. Try it you’d be surprised how fast it becomes
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Nicholas Fox
Mat Every program I use has hotkeys and while using them frequently may increase muscle memory, I may have to go on a body building course to get a few more muscles as I'm losing some with hotkeys from 5 programs to remember.