Update: The Image Manager is released. Let us know what you think and if you find any bugs. Tell us in the comments below, or via info@viewbook.com.
After a couple of months of hard work, we’re happy to present you a preview of quite an overhaul of the beloved Image Manager. There were a couple of important reasons to take another close look at what’s good and what can be done better.
First the results of our extensive usability test, with around 200 people done mid last year, showed that there was a need for optimization. Specially for first-time users. You can see some of the points of discussion in the image below. We’ve changed colors, icons, gave some things a better place and added new functionalities. One of the new features is the option to close the side-panels to gain a full-screen area for editing and sorting your images.
Secondly we’ve changed the design to be ready for future additions. Within this re-design we aimed to maintain the simplicity, clear and uncluttered design you’re used to see at Viewbook.
Discussion points for improvement (click image to enlarge):
So here it is a preview of the new Viewbook Image Manager (click images to enlarge):
The new Image Manager includes:
- A completely new design; less clutter, clearer views.
- A new color scheme; focus on the images.
- More pronounced top toolbar buttons; sharper and more refined. This also makes it easier to use for first time users.
- New namings; albums instead of presentations.
- Theatre mode; minimize the side bars.
- The trash went to the trash. There is now one overall ‘Delete’ function; select, and delete; with images, pages and presentations.
You can expect this update to be available in April 2009. We’ll launch the new Image Manager parallel to the existing one for a few weeks to make sure you get a chance to try and test it before leaving the old Image Manager.
We’re very curious what you think about the new design. Tell us by adding your comment(s) to this post.
At first glance – fantastic! I agree with many of the “comments” on the issues with the original, current design and see the improvements on the new design. While I think there’s room for yet more improvement in usability, this is several steps towards a substantially more usable service.
Congratulations, and thanks, for improving an already excellent product. I look forward to working with the new design.
Comment by John — March 27, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
You changed the layout. No new features?
Meh
Comment by mrstock — March 30, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
Hmmm… This is good, but I was hoping for more options in customization (integrating backgrounds, or different layout options).
Comment by Texugo — March 30, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
All your changes seem nice. However I would be much more enthused if the changes had been geared to the experience that the end user leaves with. Music, colors, fonts, etc.. Look and feel plus functionality is what I would like to see, not just function.
G
Comment by George — March 30, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
THANK GOD!!
So happy that it has finally happened.. and I am sure you guys are all working to making more changes (for the better) and win more users :)
I would like to see a couple of things as mentioned by others –
1. music
2. fonts
I think one of the unique things about VB is that it is very “clean” and has a “fresh” look. Not too burdened by too much flash and fancy stuff.
Keep up the good work!
Comment by ALI — March 30, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
bring on the music!! and maybe add links to connect if a user has different galleries…also maybe a place to put an email address or contact info
Comment by Khiry — March 31, 2009 @ 12:40 am
Thanks everyone. After this step is done we’ll definitely add many of the new features above.
Thanks for all the clear and valuable input.
Comment by Rien - Viewbook.com — April 1, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
ACE! really so much better, a dream to work with.
new features: more customization features for final sites, foget the music, too cheesy and heavy. but bring on fonts, colours and keep it clean!
well done for all the work. VB rocks
Comment by alcinoo — April 21, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Great! Love it. Very fast and snappy, and the overall design is clear and beautiful.
Comment by Quinten — April 22, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
Love it! A step in the right direction. Seems like you guys are listening to us and improving. Much thanks! I would like to see improvements in custom downloads. A choice between file name or date modified. Displaying file name is also important to me.
Love & Bass
Comment by Craig Blank — April 27, 2009 @ 5:23 am
This new interface is so much more intuitive & visually logic. Tx-a-million! >> Possible next step idea 1: Make Albums work like a directory structure. So, for instance, so if I create a “main” album called “clients” I can put a lot of little albums in it = less clutter. Idea 2: Make the view enhancing slide module in the lower right corner remember it’s position. Idea 3: Want better feedback? http://uservoice.com
Comment by marc — April 27, 2009 @ 9:10 am
I like this one. It’s quite easy and intuitive to use.
Cheers.
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Comment by Shaun — November 5, 2011 @ 7:33 am