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Keyboard entry on the Variable Table/Studio, Variable Dialog
kyle_olson392
Member Posts: 2 ✭
Two variable entry issues:
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Variable Table/Studio:
Often I will have several simple variables I need to enter at once. Not some massive number, but something like 3 -10. Not enough that I would want to import a spreadsheet full of them.
The fastest way is the variable table - generally (int a document or the Variable Studio). But there a hitch - it doesn't make it easy to enter the values.
As a comparison, if I was entering the variables on a Excel or Google Sheets, I would click on the first cell, type the name, and then I could press tab and I would be in the next column. I could also press enter and go to the next row. In the variable table, if I press enter tab I always move to the next row. If I want to enter the value, I have to press enter/tab, and then shift-tab twice will get me back to the field, or use the mouse.
It's a hitch in keyboard use. It's absolutely not a lot, but it matters, especially since it is very different from a normal spreadsheet.
You should have TAB move the cursor to the value field (or even the type field). ENTER will go to the next row when the user only wants to enter a name and no details. This is like Excel or Google Sheets.
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Create Variable Dialog with Dimensions
It seems like a minor thing, but it causes errors is my document (human errors).
Here's the scenario I'm entering a value on a dimension I can create a variable.
I start typing #MyNewVariable. The New Variable… suggestion item appears, I click enter once.
I'm in the Create Variable Dialog with the cursor on dimension text entry field. The value is the value in the field before I started entering the variable.
I may or may not change the value, and then I press enter.
Now the field shows the variable name. Here's where I make my mistake
If I click something else (or press esc) the variable has been created and exists on the table but has not been committed.
I must press enter a third time for the Variable to be attached to the Dimension.
If I don't commit the value, especially if I didn't change the value when creating the variable, the difference is visually very subtle. A dimension will have be missing the function symbol, but little else. A sketch would still be fully defined, but not the way I expect. I find myself changing variables and wondering why despite everything being defined it doesn't react as I expect.
There's very little reason to require the extra enter. A user is unlikely to want to create a variable on a dimension without cancelling it and then not assign it. Why require the extra "enter".
When the user pressed enter on the Create Variable Dialog on a Dimension, don't require the extra entry. Commit it immediately to prevent errors (and save a keystroke).
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The keyboard entry generally seems easier now than in used to be, but these items would help a little more.