[Suggestion] A mini mode would be much appreciated

[linlinlin1992]

Hi there,

Windows user here. Just download the app and great work!

I simply want to suggest adding a mini mode, in which the window can be shrinked to a (much) smaller size . Now it is a bit huge to put it aside as a reminder in always on top mode when working, as the original window takes nearly one sixth of the screen.

I used to use a chrome app called 'time doser' to do this http://timedoser.daniguardiola.me/. But clearly Google decides to drop the supports of standalone app feature, so I need to seek an alternative to it. If you are interested, maybe you can check the link to see what I meant.

Many thanks!
Vincent

[Splode]

Hi and thanks! A mini-mode is a great suggestion and something that I'd like to see added. I'll add this to the feature road-map.

[PhilZ-cwm6]

Hi, I vote for a mini mod, but please, better a resizable window would be even better as size depends also on screen resolution... A resizable window up to a really small scale would be great

[j3mdamas]

+1. This would be deeply appreciated!

[jhuebel]

+1 on this. At the very least, it would be nice to have a resizable window, but a mini-mode would be great.

If you go with a resizable window, then having all the components simply scale to fit would be fine with me.

For the mini-mode, I think having just the timer color coded according to the current work mode (Work, Short Break, Long Break), the round counter and a pause button would be sufficient. If you need access to all the other stuff, you could toggle to the full mode.

[ruihildt]

Mini-mode would be wonderful, it's the first thing I looked for when I saw it allowed to always show on top.

[mihaiconstantin]

@Splode This is something I would like to work on. Do you have some design ideas already? If not, I can send some mockups.

[Splode]

@mihaiconstantin that would be great! It’s clear from this thread a lot of people would appreciate a mini mode. I have an idea of how I’d lay it out, but no visuals at this point. If you have some ideas, go for it—have some fun.

I’m happy to provide feedback, if you’re interested. Just share some visuals.

I can also mockup a design, if you prefer.

[Splode]

@mihaiconstantin Here are some rough mocks of what the mini mode might look like:

The first is to scale (360x56 px) and the second is doubled for reference.

I made suggestions on the UI elements and behaviors accessible in the mini mode in #102

[mihaiconstantin]

@Splode This looks good!

The elements and behaviors mentioned in #102 (comment) are clear to me.

Just a couple of question on the mock-up:

1. Are the up and down arrows meant for expanding to regular mode?
2. Will the SHORT BREAK or LONG BREAK text fit. We may need to adjust the width. What are your thoughts on this?
3. I assume we can make it draggable on-screen regardless of the click location?

I can work with this mockup and send a PR for review in a few days!

[Splode]

@mihaiconstantin

1. Are the up and down arrows meant for expanding to regular mode?
   Yep. I thought it would take the place of the settings button. You wouldn't really be able to access the settings in mini mode.
2. Will the SHORT BREAK or LONG BREAK text fit. We may need to adjust the width. What are your thoughts on this?
   I tested with "SHORT BREAK," which does fit, although it's tight. I made the width 360px, which is the current application width. We could increase the width in mini mode, or perhaps remove the app title? I'm open to suggestions, too.
3. I assume we can make it draggable on-screen regardless of the click location?
   That's a good point I hadn't considered. Currently, you can only drag the application window from the title bar area where there isn't a UI element. If there isn't enough space to drag, perhaps we heighten the window a bit.

[mihaiconstantin]

@Splode

Yep. I thought it would take the place of the settings button. You wouldn't really be able to access the settings in mini mode.

Makes sense!

I tested with "SHORT BREAK," which does fit, although it's tight. I made the width 360px, which is the current application width. We could increase the width in mini mode, or perhaps remove the app title? I'm open to suggestions, too.

I would vote to remove the app title because it enables us to keep the UI more compact. Is it correct that the user has to enable the mini-mode via the regular GUI? In that case, the app title is readily visible there. Furthermore, the app title is also evident when hovering over the tray icon.

That's a good point I hadn't considered. Currently, you can only drag the application window from the title bar area where there isn't a UI element. If there isn't enough space to drag, perhaps we heighten the window a bit.

I see your point. I will experiment a bit to get an idea of how intuitive both alternatives feel.

[johnjacobkenny]

I have a suggestion with the user experience for getting into mini mode. Would it make sense to have a "restore button" (I think that's what its called on windows?) which is usually the small box like icon between the minimize and close buttons? That way, it would be an interaction that the user is familiar with (on windows and linux, but I'm not so sure about Mac).

Also the up and down arrows shown in the mock did not sync in my mind at first glance (first reaction was that an upward arrow may do the trick) but now that I looked at it again, it looks fine.

Also I'm thinking it may not be a good idea to have window interaction buttons, and pomo interaction buttons together on the right side.

Please share your thoughts. I hacked on the existing mock in GIMP just to get another perspective 😃