Replace input for number with slider.

[vandalon]

I think it would be nice to replace numeral inputs with sliders.
This way the interface works nicer on tablets and phones.
If you agree i'm happy to make a pull request for this :)

[EPMatt]

Hi @vandalon, thank you for the suggestion. :)

When developing these blueprints for the first time I was worried that using sliders might worsen the usability of the user interface, especially if you have to finely tune an input value and the range is quite large.

How's the user experience of such visual controls on a phone or tablet in your opinion? Are you able to precisely tune blueprint numeric inputs?

Moreover, I noticed an interesting idea you used in your contributions: increasing the step value for inputs such as delays etc. where a precise value is not required. Increasing the step value would reduce the number of steps in the slider and improve usability. Definitely something which we should consider. :)

[vandalon]

When using the slider, there is still an input box, so you have both options, that's why I like it :)
Using the step value makes it easy to make precise tuning possible :)

[EPMatt]

Definitely a good choice then.👍🏻

Maybe before starting working on this improvement we should group here the numeric inputs which need to be changed - and propose the new step value for them.
This way once we have the PR we can merge it without having to discuss changes. :)
What do you think about it?

[vandalon]

sounds good to me :)

[EPMatt]

Ok so, here are numeric inputs I found on existing blueprints, and my proposal for the new step values for them:

• Controllers:
  • helper_double_press_delay: 50
• Light Hook:
  • light_transition: 50
  • min_brightness: 1
  • max_brightness: 1, I'd change the min value to 1
  • brightness_steps_short: 1
  • brightness_steps_long: 1
  • on_brightness: 1, I'd change the min value to 1
• Media Player Hook:
  • volume_steps_short: 1
  • volume_steps_long: 1

Let me know what you think. :)

[vandalon]

All nr inputs that have a min and max defined would qualify no? :)
i would set transition to 100ms even 50ms is really not noticeable i think.
brightness values should be 1, I agree
short brightness steps of 1 are also not noticeable. I would say at least 5 there.
on_brightness also agreed :)

For media volume i have another idea because the problem with audio is that small steps matter when the volume is low, but small steps on higher volume are not noticeable. I did the following in my automation:

                  volume_level: >-
                    {% set volume_step %} {% if
                    state_attr("media_player.woonkamer","volume_level") < 0.05
                    %}0.01 {% elif
                    state_attr("media_player.woonkamer","volume_level") < 0.12
                    %}0.03 {% else %}0.05{% endif %} {% endset %} {{ [
                    state_attr("media_player.woonkamer","volume_level") +
                    volume_step | float ,0.8 ] | min  }}

[EPMatt]

All nr inputs that have a min and max defined would qualify no? :)

Yes :)

i would set transition to 100ms even 50ms is really not noticeable i think.

I agree on setting transitions steps to 100ms, but we also have to take care of the default value for some of them (currently 250, should be increased to 300).

brightness values should be 1, I agree
short brightness steps of 1 are also not noticeable. I would say at least 5 there.

I'd prefer to leave this to 1. Users might need to set a really low value since not all lights react at the same way, and some of them might need a finer control (especially really powerful lights).

on_brightness also agreed :)

For media volume i have another idea because the problem with audio is that small steps matter when the volume is low, but small steps on higher volume are not noticeable. I did the following in my automation:

                  volume_level: >-
                    {% set volume_step %} {% if
                    state_attr("media_player.woonkamer","volume_level") < 0.05
                    %}0.01 {% elif
                    state_attr("media_player.woonkamer","volume_level") < 0.12
                    %}0.03 {% else %}0.05{% endif %} {% endset %} {{ [
                    state_attr("media_player.woonkamer","volume_level") +
                    volume_step | float ,0.8 ] | min  }}

Interesting idea! This requires to add additional inputs to the Media Player Hook, hence we might consider it later as a separate feature. For now I think we can keep it simple and only update configuration for existing inputs. :)

Thank you for your feedback! I'm proceeding with implementing the suggested changes. :)

[EPMatt]

If you agree i'm happy to make a pull request for this :)

@vandalon I'm sorry, I confused this issue with the one you left me a few days ago. :D
Are you going to work on this too? Just let me know. :)

Thanks!

[vandalon]

Interesting idea! This requires to add additional inputs to the Media Player Hook, hence we might consider it later as a separate feature. For now I think we can keep it simple and only update configuration for existing inputs. :)

Actually i have an idea that would not need extra inputs. Will try and make something for that later :)

[vandalon]

If you agree i'm happy to make a pull request for this :)

@vandalon I'm sorry, I confused this issue with the one you left me a few days ago. :D
Are you going to work on this too? Just let me know. :)

Thanks!

Go right ahead:) i had my hands full on the 2 controllers and the ha bug 😀

[EPMatt]

Go right ahead:) i had my hands full on the 2 controllers and the ha bug 😀

Great, thank you. :)