RickS31
Member
As a relatively newbie and learning all the ins and outs of both the scanner (106) and the Win500 software, I hope I'll be permitted a couple of comments here on the programming software.
First, please let me preface my comments with the fact that I've been in computers as a vocation for nearly 30 years. I've sold and managed both major software as well as hardware projects. Many of the smaller companies I worked for also used many of us old pros for application testing, QC and UI evaluation in the development and beta phase.
First, Win 500, for the dollars, is a nice fully functional package. It does do everything Don says it does and, once the learning curve is reached, does do it quite nicely. However, there are just a couple of things I'd like to suggest. First, this product absolutely needs a GOOD and complete, as well as context sensitive Help file. Personally, and only IMHO, I'd stop any further product development and concentrate on getting the help file done. There is just way too much complexity left up to the user to try and ferret out through trial and error. Luckily, there are very experienced users on our forums that are more than happy to help. But even so, much of the basic functionality is left up to user discovery as to how it really works. No real place to understand what is required. I was ultimately able to figure out how but there were a lot of cusswords till I did, especially after trying to find help files and finding none.
Second, more concentration on the user interface. It's not bad but, for newbies, could be more intuitive perhaps with more guidance screens as you add systems and such. Kinda revolves back to help.
Again, please take this only as constructive and with total reverence. I know how tough this is for small developers. I'd be happy to provide any other info on the product if desired. Above all, it is a good product and I have absolutely no complaints as to what it does and does well.
Rick
First, please let me preface my comments with the fact that I've been in computers as a vocation for nearly 30 years. I've sold and managed both major software as well as hardware projects. Many of the smaller companies I worked for also used many of us old pros for application testing, QC and UI evaluation in the development and beta phase.
First, Win 500, for the dollars, is a nice fully functional package. It does do everything Don says it does and, once the learning curve is reached, does do it quite nicely. However, there are just a couple of things I'd like to suggest. First, this product absolutely needs a GOOD and complete, as well as context sensitive Help file. Personally, and only IMHO, I'd stop any further product development and concentrate on getting the help file done. There is just way too much complexity left up to the user to try and ferret out through trial and error. Luckily, there are very experienced users on our forums that are more than happy to help. But even so, much of the basic functionality is left up to user discovery as to how it really works. No real place to understand what is required. I was ultimately able to figure out how but there were a lot of cusswords till I did, especially after trying to find help files and finding none.
Second, more concentration on the user interface. It's not bad but, for newbies, could be more intuitive perhaps with more guidance screens as you add systems and such. Kinda revolves back to help.
Again, please take this only as constructive and with total reverence. I know how tough this is for small developers. I'd be happy to provide any other info on the product if desired. Above all, it is a good product and I have absolutely no complaints as to what it does and does well.
Rick
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