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Flat UI jQuery Theme

github.com

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Re: Flat UI jQuery Theme

#5

Post by img »

From a usability perspective I don't think this really works at all. For most of the UI elements, the only visual indication that you get that something is clickable (buttons, link, collapsibles) or separate (grouped buttons) is on mouse hover.

But this is for jQuery Mobile, and you don't get mouse hovers on the devices this is targeted for.

Re: Flat UI jQuery Theme

#6

Post by kevincoughlin »

img wrote: post #5

From a usability perspective I don't think this really works at all. For most of the UI elements, the only visual indication that you get that something is clickable (buttons, link, collapsibles) or separate (grouped buttons) is on mouse hover. But this is for jQuery Mobile, and you don't get mouse hovers on the devices this is targeted for.

I have to agree with img. This theme runs into problems on mobile devices. Depending on your audience it probably is not intuitive to them that many elements are interactive with the absence of mouseover effects. Still nice to see a flat UI port to jQuery UI though. Cheers.

Re: Flat UI jQuery Theme

#7

Post by occam65 »

The "flat" style being distributed today is a giant step backwards in usability, I can't for the life of me understand why it's so popular. On desktops, it's not clear until you hover that it's even an interactive element. On mobile? Forget it. You'll have better luck teaching your grandmother the difference between client and server side JavaScript.

Re: Flat UI jQuery Theme

#9

Post by jack_trades »

img wrote: post #5

From a usability perspective I don't think this really works at all. For most of the UI elements, the only visual indication that you get that something is clickable (buttons, link, collapsibles) or separate (grouped buttons) is on mouse hover. But this is for jQuery Mobile, and you don't get mouse hovers on the devices this is targeted for.

Don't be so dramatic. From a usability perspective, it works enough. Also, interactivity is changing and themes are options. People don't hover or click with touch devices.

Many UI concepts are in flux (again). Link? Button? Collapsible? Let go of what you know and watch people using flat UI.

There are many ways to hint interactions within flat design. As has always been, stick to more abstract interaction fundamentals and processes and don't wed yourself to fads based on current (or old) tooling trends.

It's easy enough to use color, contrast, font, positioning, size, shape, etc. all to indicate interaction points. That's all a gradient button is compared to the text in an old message box.

Also, there are two major thrusts in flat ui that make it compelling. One is the additional focus on content since the UI takes a step back once you spend less time tweaking artificial details. Which leads into the second point others are making. The time and energy spent in details to achieve fake results in a digital context are dishonest at best and grossly out of place from a design perspective. There's a little bit for everyone in there.

Re: Flat UI jQuery Theme

#10

Post by amcdonald »

kevincoughlin wrote: post #6
img wrote: post #5

From a usability perspective I don't think this really works at all. For most of the UI elements, the only visual indication that you get that something is clickable (buttons, link, collapsibles) or separate (grouped buttons) is on mouse hover. But this is for jQuery Mobile, and you don't get mouse hovers on the devices this is targeted for.

I have to agree with img. This theme runs into problems on mobile devices. Depending on your audience it probably is not intuitive to them that many elements are interactive with the absence of mouseover effects. Still nice to see a flat UI port to jQuery UI though. Cheers.

Good article on why a flat ui might be good at: http://alistapart.com/article/material-honesty-on-the-web

Crux of argument can be found in the statement: "Even lighting effects like drop shadows, form shadows, specular highlights, and reflections are dishonest because there’s no light source inside a digital screen that’s manufacturing these lighting effects." The article then puts forward the position that honesty to material creates more timeless design.

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