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Firefox OS for TV: UX Overview

blog.mozilla.org

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Re: Firefox OS for TV: UX Overview

#51

Post by mikeryan »

lighthawk wrote: post #50

It looks good, and don't want to shoot down the UI, but here are some suggestions: In regard to pictures 4 and 5, Roku tried the fully horizontal menu for a while, but wasn't great. It's too limiting. Think about using a vertical left and a grid right like they do. It fits more and given the right control, works pretty well to navigate, even if it isn't the prettiest. And, if you only do one thing, remember the rule…

Think about using a vertical left and a grid right like they do. It fits more and given the right control, works pretty well to navigate, even if it isn't the prettiest.

While grids are nice they have a problem. They're great at navigating two dimensions but they aren't easy to get out of. Where do you put the settings and search buttons? Do I have to scroll through all the categories (like netflix does) to get to search?

Similarly how do you do subcategories?

This system actually solves both of those problems. What it lacks is information density. Something like this linking _into_ a grid could work.

Note I say this while our company that does this developed an app with this exact navigation scheme for Comcast cable boxes.

http://adifferentengine.com/cases/sochi/

But we had a very strict set of content so we knew it would work for our use case.

Re: Firefox OS for TV: UX Overview

#52

Post by [deleted] »

pcardoso wrote: post #20
untog wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The battery life on that would be awful, though. I can use my remote without looking at it or needing to charge it for months upon months on end.

You could have a e-ink based remote with some hardware buttons for the most common functions. The battery life could be good enough. I have a small project based on this.

[deleted]

Re: Firefox OS for TV: UX Overview

#53

Post by dangrossman »

untog wrote: post #14
kaolinite wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I feel that the grid of icons works great for the TV but the problem is the unimaginative remote control. Instead of a plastic remote with arrow buttons, a better solution is using a phone or tablet which shows a UI based on what is on the screen. You tap through apps on the phone and pick what you want to watch. Then, you hit play and it starts showing on the screen. TVs aren't really great for interacting with - so…

The battery life on that would be awful, though. I can use my remote without looking at it or needing to charge it for months upon months on end.

Probably not as bad as you think. I already have a remote control with an e-ink display for changing settings, equalizer levels, bluetooth pairing and other functions. It's for a Vizio soundbar. I haven't changed the batteries since buying it.

Re: Firefox OS for TV: UX Overview

#54

Post by hackuser »

callahad wrote: post #44
jonathansizz wrote: post #5

While it wasn't difficult to understand what the author was trying to say, I found this post jarring to read. Surely Mozilla have native English speakers who can at least edit their blog posts? Anything that goes out to the public affects Mozilla's reputation, and should therefore be taken seriously.

> Surely Mozilla have native English speakers who can at least edit their blog posts? Certainly, but we also try to let teams and individuals operate fairly autonomously, and I believe our open, honest humanity is one of our greatest strengths as both a global community and as a company. Let's put this in context, though: This isn't a press release, nor is https://blog.mozilla.org/ux/ a press channel. Rather, it's so…

I think you make some excellent points, but I'd like to share some perspective from the outside (and from someone who strongly supports Mozilla and its mission):

> Let's put this in context, though: This isn't a press release, nor is https://blog.mozilla.org/ux/ a press channel.

That distinction may be well known internally, but nobody else knows or cares to learn about it; we're going to base our judgement on impressions: The page says "Mozilla UX" in big letters at top and it's on the mozilla.org domain; to me and I suspect to almost everyone else outside Mozilla, it's official Mozilla communication.

Re: Firefox OS for TV: UX Overview

#55

Post by jdboyd »

listic wrote: post #49

I wonder if Mozilla is in communication with Matchstick.tv developers? http://www.matchstick.tv/ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/matchstick/matchstick-t... Matchstick developers have gathered quite a lot of support for their croudfunding campaign, by promising an open software and hardware TV streaming stick due this February, and for a low price ($16+). Then, come February, they pissed off the vast majority of…

Their backers may not have asked for DRM support, but they did ask for supporting services that require DRM, such as Netflix.

I participated in the kickstarter. What I am interested in is less a physical product and more an open platform, but I suspect we won't actually be getting that.

Re: Firefox OS for TV: UX Overview

#57

Post by lighthawk »

mikeryan wrote: post #51
lighthawk wrote: post #50

It looks good, and don't want to shoot down the UI, but here are some suggestions: In regard to pictures 4 and 5, Roku tried the fully horizontal menu for a while, but wasn't great. It's too limiting. Think about using a vertical left and a grid right like they do. It fits more and given the right control, works pretty well to navigate, even if it isn't the prettiest. And, if you only do one thing, remember the rule…

Think about using a vertical left and a grid right like they do. It fits more and given the right control, works pretty well to navigate, even if it isn't the prettiest. While grids are nice they have a problem. They're great at navigating two dimensions but they aren't easy to get out of. Where do you put the settings and search buttons? Do I have to scroll through all the categories (like netflix does) to get to se…

> Where do you put the settings and search buttons?

My opinion:

1. They go on the remote controller itself as magnifying glass and gear buttons, if you have that luxury. If there is no UI pointer, there is no need to provide anything else.

2. If you have a UI pointer, icons (gear, magnifying glass) or word links (settings, search), upper-right is most intuitive but lower-right may work also.

Re: Firefox OS for TV: UX Overview

#59

Post by spyder »

wlesieutre wrote: post #26
efdee wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't you just want to buy a monitor instead of a TV then?

Yes, if reasonably priced monitors in the 30-60" range existed, I'd take them over a smart TV. As far as I can find, they don't.

There are a few: http://www.newegg.com/Large-Format-Displays/SubCategory/ID-6...
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