Maps: controls need improving
asked 2014-01-07 22:09:17 +0300
The main advantage of the Jolla interface is that it largely avoids the major drawback of touch interfaces: being fiddly. However, the Jolla maps application is an exception in having some fiddly controls.
As it is, it centers and locks on the current location with a long press. The user interface doesn't afford this. I couldn't figure it out at first, then did it by accident, then checked the manual, then couldn't do it on purpose, as I kept moving the map around ever so slightly instead of pressing it. I'd prefer to have a visible toggle instead.
Another control that needs improving is the edge tap (is there such a thing? I'm still not quite sure.) It's easy to miss, and if missed, throws the map off target. This would also benefit from a different, less fiddly control.
Moreover, there are two patterns on the lower corners, the dot and the HERE text, that look a bit like controls, i.e. afford a tap, but I'm still not sure if they are.
There's also a need for a full guide for the Maps app. I had no idea there's a "long press" either.
clau ( 2014-01-07 22:35:17 +0300 )editIt seems that simple tap you will create "a donut" representing your destination where as your current location is shown as dot, which is seeking the donut.
single tap also opens the start menu for navigational instructions.
at the moment here or the dot in the right lower corner are not doing anything.
Where as single tap creates the destination the double tap seems to zoomin on the map. zoom out is possible with long press as indicated or with pinch out gesture. Naturally pinch in gesture also works.
Kari ( 2014-01-08 00:29:42 +0300 )editWhen first entering the map view a dialog is shown describing the gestures. Once dismissed, though, there is no way of displaying it again.
The HERE text in the lower left is just the map data copyright notice, it is not interactive. The dot in the lower right is an interactive button, it centres you on your current location.
Aaron McCarthy ( 2014-01-10 06:26:21 +0300 )editThe gestures can't be memorized in one go (well, I can't).
The dot either centres the map at the donut (yes please), or selects the location under the dot (no!). As the map can be easily shifted, it would do no harm to have controls at the bottom never selecting a location.
jsiren ( 2014-01-10 12:04:37 +0300 )editThe activation area around the donut is just too small. Whenever I try to tap on it I end up selecting a new spot on map.
clau ( 2014-01-10 13:42:26 +0300 )editThis is one app in which traditional controls, instead of Jolla style gestures, would be more practical.