VFB 2.0 Woes

[Steven_IAS]

When I updated to Corona 12, the first thing I noticed was what I consider to be one of the biggest step-backs in UI design I have seen in a very long time. The new VFB 2.0 feels like something that was not given a lot of time or care.

First, it uses 165px more on the right-hand panel. This would be fine if it were for a reason, but it just seems to be more footprint for a reason that I can't figure out. Corona team, if this is a feature that is to come, please let me know.

Another glaring issue that just hurts for me to look at is basic alignment. The IR play button doesn't even line up with the "Post" header. That 3-5 pixel error just shows a lack of quality control and sticks out when you look at this frame buffer for 6 hours a day. The biggest error to me is the text on the "stats" panel. The alignment of the Times / Scnes / UHD Cache / Performance headers is almost touching the image. While I feel there is a lot of work that needs to be done design-wise on this panel, I mocked up the bare minimum fix that I think is required to make this a usable UI in the meantime.

As many users of this render engine are involved in some form of design for aesthetics, these things matter, and it lacks a level of polish that I find surprising for a release candidate. I am thankful that I can switch back to the efficient layout of the original VFB, but I assume at some point this will be phased out.

I have attached two files that illustrate these two issues.

[arqrenderz]

First thing to do is to setup corona to use the VFB 1.0...
It came a while ago, a lot of post were made about it, but has no changed or been improved with a lot of feedback.

[Steven_IAS]

I have changed it back. I want to be able to use the VFB 2.0, but it is just a mess of a UI design. As long as they keep the VFB 1.0 I will use it.

[davemahi]

I agree, I am surprised they released it in such a messy looking state. With fonts and things aligned all over the place. Strange spacing and overall just looks like is meant to be temporary.

[Steven_IAS]

It feels like a beta release.

[maru]

Thank you for your feedback! I have logged it for our devs as (Report ID=CMAX-1660).
Personally, I would vote for implementing this, but we need to see if this is technically possible.

First thing to do is to setup corona to use the VFB 1.0...
It came a while ago, a lot of post were made about it, but has no changed or been improved with a lot of feedback.

We are monitoring user feedback and many of the requested features were implemented, for example: the order of the VFB history snapshots, IR button added as a separate item rather than a drop-down, and even scrollbar color. :)
There are lots of VFB improvements and fixes in the changelogs.

[John_Do]

@maru

I think the criticism are more targeted toward the general look and feel of the VFB rather than a specific bug ( except for the OP of course ).
IMO you guys went maybe a bit too far with the minimalist vibe and the result looks unfinished and more importantly lack readability.

Alignements and spacing are sloppy, areas are not clearly delimited nor consistent. Some icons are too big, some are too small, and placement is not consistent across the various sections. Same deal for the text, one font (fortunately) but various size, weights, cases. Sidebar is not resizable, sidebar button is highlighted when it's hidden (?). A bit of a general mess.

I'm not a UI / UX designer but we all work with visual material all day long and most of us are sensible to this kind of subject, which once again beyond aesthetics, impacts readability.
Surely with Chaos resources you could commission an UI designer for an overhaul ?

I tried something with ChatGPT in a hurry, the result is shit but it's already more legible imo.

[Steven_IAS]

Yeah, this is exactly what I am talking about. Just something tasteful and efficient. You know things are bad when I am envious of the Vray buffer.

I also miss the rotating smiley face to show you that something is happening. I know I can look at the stats, but it was such a quick thing that you notice being gone. Maybe the Corona logo can pulse or something.

[Frood]

I was shocked when I had vbf 2 in front of me the first time. The face of Corona looked more like an apprentice tried the best. Meanwhile I got somewhat used to it.

many of the requested features were implemented, for example: the order of the VFB history snapshots, IR button added as a separate item rather than a drop-down, and even scrollbar color. :)

The order of snapshots was more a regression (vfb 1 does it correctly), IR button has been requested for almost a decade and the scrollbar contrast has been something no one (with a very important exception :) noticed.

I enjoy the additional features like locked IR resolution and finally legible camera names. However I wonder why easily fixable stuff is still there. For example that fat "3" jumping out of the (questionable) icon row. Just do an outline "3" with a stroke like the other icons and it is less distracting. A perfect task for any apprentice :)

I also miss the rotating smiley face to show you that something is happening. I know I can look at the stats, but it was such a quick thing that you notice being gone. Maybe the Corona logo can pulse or something.

Another regression, yes.

https://forum.corona-renderer.com/index.php?topic=44973.0

Helps me a bit to overcome the missing smiley.


Good Luck