RE: brainstorm re: tabs, menus, views

Hello, I have been lurking on this list for a while, and I think I can
contribute something to this topic.
I think that Chad's idea is valuable for 3 reasons:

> One of the features of Windows Explorer (and || in other OS's) is the
> multiple ways of viewing a folder's contents, i.e., Thumbnails, Icons,
> Tiles, List, Details. I suggest we incorporate this feature into Plone,
> as an additional "View as..." action menu.

1. It creates more visual distinction between folder view options and
content-specific tabs (edit and properties).  I am often involved in
training our various clients on managing content via the Plone UI.  The
current layout, with similar tabs offering views of both content and folder
information, is confusing to some of the non-technical users with whom I've
worked.

2. I cannot speak for any inherent value of the Win Explorer interface, but
it is a very common interface, and a defining element of many nontechnical
users' interface expectations.  By making Plone similar to Windows, you
would be creating a more comfortable interface for many users, which would
hopefully mean shorter learning curves and less frustration.

> We wouldn't need any separate photo album products: A "photo
> album" would just be a folder of photos with "Thumbnail" for the default
> view.

3. Why stop with existing products? We often create custom views of content
for our clients' sites, overriding the default views (usually for design
reasons or for additional functions on a page).  A "View As..." action menu
lays the foundation for optionally creating custom views without having to
override/hide default view templates.

From a producer/project manager point of view, this "View As..." proposal
would be a great addition to the Plone UI.  I think it's an awesome idea.

Thanks
Chris






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