I'm here to complain about something I'd like you guys to fix.
DataCAD looks ugly and I think it could be preventing new users from adopting your software.
I come from an AutoCAD and Vectorworks background. It took me a while to get used to DataCAD but I've come to be pretty fond of it in the last 3 years. I find there's even things I can do a lot faster in DCAD than I could with other software.
I don't think I would have ever adopted it on my own though. And, it's not because I'd never heard of it, I had. It's the way it looks. It looks old. Like, straight out of 1992. I would have rejected it out of hand as old and slow- and I think this influenced my feelings about DCAD even after Id started using it.
The Problem: There no aesthetic theme, Many Icons don't even match each other, the Logo could use work, the menu font
Here's AutoCAD2014:
Here's DataCAD17:
There's a big difference here
I'd suggest:
Hire a graphic designer or design firm, with strong minimalist credentials to help make a new skin for DataCAD. Make it a "skin" so the old look can be optional-(sort of like what autoCAD did with Ribbons) I'm sure lot's of people are used to it and like it just fine.
I really think this could help grab the next generation of designers and Architects, who are going to be branching out and starting their own businesses.
Really though- for my sake- I have top look at DataCAD most days... and... I'd like to like looking at it more.
Thanks
DataCAD looks ugly and I think it could be preventing new users from adopting your software.
I come from an AutoCAD and Vectorworks background. It took me a while to get used to DataCAD but I've come to be pretty fond of it in the last 3 years. I find there's even things I can do a lot faster in DCAD than I could with other software.
I don't think I would have ever adopted it on my own though. And, it's not because I'd never heard of it, I had. It's the way it looks. It looks old. Like, straight out of 1992. I would have rejected it out of hand as old and slow- and I think this influenced my feelings about DCAD even after Id started using it.
The Problem: There no aesthetic theme, Many Icons don't even match each other, the Logo could use work, the menu font
Here's AutoCAD2014:
Here's DataCAD17:
There's a big difference here
I'd suggest:
Hire a graphic designer or design firm, with strong minimalist credentials to help make a new skin for DataCAD. Make it a "skin" so the old look can be optional-(sort of like what autoCAD did with Ribbons) I'm sure lot's of people are used to it and like it just fine.
I really think this could help grab the next generation of designers and Architects, who are going to be branching out and starting their own businesses.
Really though- for my sake- I have top look at DataCAD most days... and... I'd like to like looking at it more.
Thanks