Sjk,
I wish I was an interface designer and could just upload screenshots of actual DT UI suggestions instead of talking about it. It’s difficult to get down to the nitty gritty and compare with other apps since it sort of counteracts the idea of a new and unique UI for DT. Also, actual design suggestions by amateurs like myself, often just turns into personal tastes and fancies that others can agree or disagree with.
But it’s nice to PRETEND to be a pro UI designer : ) so here goes:
DT has two target groups right? Current users and New users. I imagine that DT makes the most money from new users, but are dependant on old/current users to write good reviews and just generally spread the word (i.e. advertise to the new users).
The smartest thing therefore would be to re-design the UI to make it look more modern. Us ‘old’ users will still have an exceptionally functional app, with a new look that we can whine about until we get used to it, and ‘new’ users will WANT to spend the time it takes to discover all the goodness that’s under the DT hood - and, unavoidably, buy that licence!
Since I am the pro now, I would firstly look at the Finder in Mac OS Leopard. Making DT part of the OS seems like a smart move. This is the way our system will look for the next few years. It is the ‘base’ of what all our computer stuff looks like. Having a very snappy app that looks like it’s a natural part of my operating system is easier to trust than the many glossy, multi-colored apps that are out there today. I don’t mean copy the Finder right off. I mean…well just…steal some stuff.
If that’s too boring though, perhaps mix some bits of Skype feelgood in there. Maybe some Newsfire simplicity and a touch of Things tidyness (Things = GTD app in the making, check it out at culturedcode.com). All the while bearing in mind that DT is quite an advanced application with quite an advanced user base (at least that is my impression from lurking in these forums) and so needs to feel professional to some extent.
It seems natural in the software business, for applications to evolve with both functionality and looks over time. The latter has not been the case with DT. In fact, it has looked the same for so long that even old/current users have written to the DT forums, asking for a UI update.
I really don’t think DT has anything to fear by creating a newer looking UI. Old/current users like myself enjoy DT for it’s excellent functions and won’t stop using it just because it has a UI that looks different from when I bought it…back in the day.
The ultimate compromize would of course be application skins. Like Firefox themes (but better-looking of course and made by me, the pro UI designer). That way there could be a ‘DT Original’ theme AND a more modern design. And we would all live happily ever after.
