3 ms·

> Should a simple app like Apple Reminders or Google Tasks have the GUI pause if there are delays or connection issues? Yes, they should, because I _need_ good

by theamk 3y ago

> Should a simple app like Apple Reminders or Google Tasks have the GUI pause if there are delays or connection issues? Yes, they should, because I _need_ good feedback for connection issues. I have not used those two specific apps, but for other "online first" apps it's such a common problem. Open an app, type a note, switch back to a different app (or turn off your phone, or close laptop lid). Later on, you want to access the note and it's not there. Why? the authors decided to be "smart" and "offline first" and made sync in background, with no feedback, or with heavily delayed feedback... and I was walking out of wifi range when i was typing the note, so connection was spotty. The OP's demo TODO app has exactly the same problem - no indication when the data is already uploaded. So please, if your real goal is collaboration, let user know when you cannot perform it, don't sweep it under the rug hoping the things would get uploaded eventually.

carlsverre 3y ago
This is such solid feedback - and a frustration I have with offline first apps. In particular Obsidian sync has this problem which is made worse because it doesn't seem to want to sync in the background. (other than that I love Obsidian - just would be nice to get some more feedback) In regard to the TODO demo - I should totally add that. Thanks :) https://github.com/orbitinghail/sqlsync/issues/31 https://github.com/orbitinghail/sqlsync/issues/31
slaymaker1907 3y ago
I think my preference is that it works instantly, but have some sort of indicator that it is syncing working. Users should be able to see when it is safe to assume state is consistent with what is on the server.
- Multicomp 3y ago
  And thus we get back to the need for Exchange Active sync icon from the Pocket PC era! I have finally lived long enough to see a full tech cycle go from new hotness to duh everyone does it this way to a good if boring option to that's so lame and worse, legacy, to what's that?
dustingetz 3y ago
"design-by-PM"

by theamk 3y ago

carlsverre 3y ago

This is such solid feedback - and a frustration I have with offline first apps. In particular Obsidian sync has this problem which is made worse because it doesn't seem to want to sync in the background. (other than that I love Obsidian - just would be nice to get some more feedback) In regard to the TODO demo - I should totally add that. Thanks :) https://github.com/orbitinghail/sqlsync/issues/31 https://github.com/orbitinghail/sqlsync/issues/31

slaymaker1907 3y ago

I think my preference is that it works instantly, but have some sort of indicator that it is syncing working. Users should be able to see when it is safe to assume state is consistent with what is on the server.

Multicomp 3y ago
And thus we get back to the need for Exchange Active sync icon from the Pocket PC era! I have finally lived long enough to see a full tech cycle go from new hotness to duh everyone does it this way to a good if boring option to that's so lame and worse, legacy, to what's that?

dustingetz 3y ago

"design-by-PM"