UI - Merge 'Search' and 'Timeline'

Nana

Is it possible to merge the 'Search' and 'Timeline' page? They are virtually the same and I don't see why I need an extra page for searching though my entries. You could add a search button on the top bar of the 'Timeline' page that pops out the search bar and just remove the 'Search' page altogether.

Diarium version: 3.0.17 / 3.0.20
Operating system: iOS 15.5 / MacOS Big Sur 11.6
Device model: iPhone SE (2020) / MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

AvinashR

Yes
I think i already requested this. You can check WhatsApp for reference. The way it’s done is swipe down to see the search bar it you can simple put a lens button in top for searching

timo

I could imagine that some users wouldn't find the search feature if it was "hidden" in the timeline page. Many users (incl. me) use the calendar view primarily. We could also discuss adding the search on the calendar page (this also has been requested before somewhere) but showing filtered search results in a calendar view doesn't make as much sense.
Also, there's always the problem of limited UI elements: Somehow both the search field + the filter button would have to be integrated in the top bar - particularly difficult on mobile devices

Crossoni

timo
It does make sense to show calendar view on search, here are some reasons: Calendar view on search

Nana

timo I don‘t think it‘d be. As I mentioned, just add a little magnifying glass symbol to the right on the top bar and make that pop out the search options as well as immediately set it for entering text. I‘m pretty sure that most users can make the connection of magnifying glass —> search.

What makes it hard on mobile devices?

I can create a mock-up to visualise what I mean. That will need a bit of time though.

AvinashR

Can you atleast make it as default tab/ atleast remember selection for searchbar page so that it avoids extra clicks.

At the moment its only calendar and timeline view

AvinashR

AvinashR @timo is this feasible?

I don’t think this would take much effort

Nana

Here goes!

timo

Thanks for the mockup, but I prefer to keep the settings button on the top bar. I would probably rather move the "+" button down (and to the middle) of the bottom bar.

Nana

timo I like that! But, where would the search button go? Keep it where I put it?

If the '+' button goes there, I'd suggest to give it a backdrop in the accent colour to emphasize it.

timo

AvinashR Copy-pasting the response I have given here 🙂

Once I find time, I might see how difficult it would be to add it. Off the top of my head, I could see people who are not using the timeline (but the calendar view) be confused about the search being gone when it is just integrated in the timeline view and not available as separate menu item. Also, e.g. on Android, the top row of the timeline view is already (showing the month + year)

AvinashR

No. I am talking about adding keyboard or taking decision on this.

Just wanted to remember search view page similar to calendar view and timeline view.

grtrttutyu

I don't like merging Search and Timeline pages.

I use the Timeline tab primarily and I seldom use the Search page. Most of the time, I browse the recent entries up to previous week so scrolling through the Timeline is enough for me.

The word Search is more user friendly than a magnifying lens symbol especially to new users.

Is there enough space for the magnifying lens in the toolbar? The month, such as September 2024, takes up a lot of space

What would the new menu item be called? "Timeline and Search" sounds strange while using either "Timeline" or "Search" is incomplete for what the tab does.

What benefit does having 1 less menu item have? I have never used the Export and About menu items but it doesn't bother me.

AvinashR

I understand the concerns raised. My intention is to have less clicks for searching. I do a lot a searching through out the day . Having to remember the tab view atleast reduces clicks for me.

timo

I think I would rather implement this feature instead of merging search + timeline

paul

I think that the search page could be made redundant by adding filtering/searching controls on top of Calendar, Timeline and Map pages.