Update Notes, v0.3.0


When designing Angel Beats, I don't use other DAWs as a standard of comparison because I've never been impressed by their UIs. As opposed to video games like Dyson Sphere Program which are a constant source of inspiration. Because tools need awesome UIs too.

For example, the pattern inventory at the bottom of Angel Beats' arrangement view is directly inspired by the construction system in Dyson Sphere Program. And with this update, I think it finally succeeds in capturing not just the look and feel but also the experience of using it.


Pattern blueprints are shown in the timeline when a pattern is selected, with both valid and invalid states to show what will happen when inserted. Just like in nearly any video game with building mechanics. 

Also, there are two separate modes for manipulating events in the timeline. Edit mode, where you can move, resize, and delete existing events. And input mode, where you can create new events from the currently selected pattern. Toggling between modes happens automatically whenever a pattern is selected or deselected, so the transition is completely transparent.

I'm really proud of this feature and the minor version bump is meant to reflect that. It took multiple iterations to find the correct solution, and I think the end result is a workflow that feels really great to use. It's also given me some direction in my short term roadmap which I'll expand on in a future devlog. In short, I'm planning to give the piano roll some love with similar upgrades.

Happy music making!

EDIT: Renamed default mode to edit mode, and construction mode to input mode.


Changes:

  • remove focus highlight from timelines to reduce flickering when moving mouse through arrangement view
  • also remove focus highlight from track list, beat ruler, and settings (basically anything canvas-esque)
  • add focus highlight to grid keys
  • add hand cursor to toggles and selectable items
  • add move cursor to notes, chords, and timeline events

Bugfixes:

  • compass menu keys getting reconfigured with character codes rather than virtual key codes
  • playback sometimes includes notes just beyond loop interval
  • focus goes to wrong event when events overlap on timeline 

Files

Demo, v0.3.0 259 MB
May 25, 2023

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