Genii Weblog

A further idea about attachment icons

Mon 24 Oct 2005, 01:33 PM



by Ben Langhinrichs
In response to yesterday's question about attachment icons, Tim Tripcony suggested that the file attachment icons are annoying and break up the text.  He suggested using little tiny view or action icons, but then there is an inconsistency between the web and Notes, which I really don't want.  Then it struck me, the reason an icon like thisImage of icon with embedded name is annoying is because of its vertical space, not its horizontal space, but if I am creating the icons, I don't have to follow the same rules.  In other words, why couldn't this icon be rendered as Inline GIF image or Inline GIF image or possibly even Inline GIF image.  Note that these are icons with no text involved, and when clicked on would act like attachment icons, but they certainly don't interrupt the screen as much.  The last looks more like a specialized doclink.  The only problem is, would they be understood by Notes users (or even web users)?  So, a couple of other possibilities might be Inline GIF image or possibly Inline GIF image or maybe a complete variation Inline GIF image.  Sigh!  I am overthinking this, I'm sure.

Copyright © 2005 Genii Software Ltd.

What has been said:


384.1. Jamie Price (10/24/2005 12:59 PM)

Actually I am working on a project right now that requires me to insert attachments inline with text. I was thinking about how clunky it looks too.

For the record, I like the last one best.


384.2. Julian Robichaux (10/24/2005 05:51 PM)

Maybe something with rounded corners?

;-)

I think it's good to overthink stuff like that (to a certain extent). It can be one of those situations where users expect a certain low level of function or design because they've never been presented with an alternative.

I think you definitely want to keep it from blending in with the text too much, though; otherwise, people may not know to click on it.

- Julian


384.3. Stephan H. Wissel (24/10/2005 19:13)

Will you release the web code into the wild?

:-) stw