The future of the User interface which is currently awfull.

TehMagnus

Question: Is ZOS planing to improve the User Interface and will there be separate development branches for consoles & PC that allows PC players to have an enjoyable and intuitive game experience that doesn't suffer from the limitations imposed by the console's gaming pad?

The reasons for this question are the following:

The current User Interface is extremely poorly designed. As much as I like the new content that is being released to the game as well as the initial improvement done on Guild Store research, the game is clearly lacking a lot of improvements to the UI and some of them clearly exist because of the console's port choice.

- Slotable "Consumables". Changing potions in the midle of the fight is not only time consuming but it's also not ergonomic at all. One is forced to keep pushing Q, then move the mouse in the right direction, then release Q then, at last, press Q again to use the potion (if you're still alive).

- Better Guild Store search: It's so tedious to search for things, especially when you have to visit many kiosks to find what you want. The ability to enter text to search & to be able to save one or two searches would help a lot and reduce the number of people complaining about the lack of Auction House. Instead of clicking 4 times I could just put "Kuta" in the search bar and see if anything is returned, I also don't feel like I wasted my time selecting the same options in 10 different guild stores to find nothing.

- More things in the User Interface. You can't rely on add-ons for ever, a togglable minimap (there is one in the first presentation video of ESO) at the very least as well as the ability to save skill & armor presets would be a huge improvement. I suppose your EULA allows you to copy & reuse for free any content that has been created by using the API. Porting and supporting some of the most popular/useful add-ons would also greatly improve the gaming experience.

- Better grouping tool.<=http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/discussion/123968/introducing-grouping-2-0

Wykkyd

The people arguing against changes to the UI come from one of three camps:

1 - They don't want more UI themselves, so don't think it should be there at all.
2 - They don't understand that add-ons don't have access to the information we're after, so don't understand that telling us add-ons are our options is a pointless endeavor
3 - They think that us having options will force them to use those options to stay competitive, when in most cases they aren't actually competing in the first place

It's arguing against options, because they feel everyone should play the way they do. It's good enough for them, so why isn't it good enough for you? Meanwhile the "I would like more UI/options" crew almost always argue for their requests to be handled as "something that could be turned on if the user wanted it." The opposition wants to force everyone to play like them, the requestors simply want things they can selectively enable if they choose to.

It's arguing against information. Ignorance is not a feature. If you, as a player, choose to be ignorant (which means uninformed or under educated about a subject or topic) then that is your choice. Just because you are fine not knowing doesn't mean everyone else should be forced to not know. That's akin to telling scientists they aren't allowed to do research because you, personally, have a distaste for science.

The API doesn't give us enough information to build add-ons to cover the gaps in this game's UI. No amount of arguing or telling us how wrong we are is going to change that irrefutable fact. This is an MMO. This is played online, in multi-player mode on a massive server. That is the definition of MMO. It doesn't matter how much it is or isn't flavored like The Elder Scrolls. And that's a lowsy excuse for not having access to basic MMO information.

DID YOU KNOW that more than half of the bugs found with combat actions and balance during beta and PTS can be attributed to API functions, and add-ons, which have since been nerfed or completely disabled?

Like it or not, when multiple people play a massive game like this online BALANCE matters. Being able to use INFORMATION and DATA to analyze your own performance to IMPROVE your play MATTERS. Being able to see that a debuff actually landed so that you can decide to not waste more magicka re-applying it MATTERS. Being able to see when a 20-second buff is about to fade, more clearly, so that you can re-apply it as it fades to get more optimal buff coverage MATTERS.

While you're happy staring at your glowy health bar, mentally deciphering what that glow is or isn't and running mental calculations about how long you think it's been up and when it's about to fade... you're missing critical game components all around you while you do so. The more time you spend analyzing this or that particular game-provided glowy graphic, the less time you spend experiencing the rest of the game around you. Arguing for lack of UI for the sake of immersion is actually arguing against immersion because the lack of informative UI elements pulls you away from the rest of the game.

Anyway... I could go on this diatribe all day. Those that need this wake up call won't read it, and those that can't understand it or already agree with it will. That's how forums work. So, I'm done for now.

Seraphyel

God I hope they improve it, the UI is maybe the worst I'ven seen in any MMORPG in a decade.

stewie_801

So since you can't answer why any of the limitations are the consoles fault on any other thread, I'll post here too. You should really try some of the MMOs on console before saying that they are limited in terms of UI. Pretty sure the ones I have played had a search function in the stores. PS4 comes with a virtual keyboard for players to type. So they and the pc counterparts could use this easily. Personally, I just plugged my keyboard in for this rather than use the virtual keyboard, but it is still there.

In no way is it not being on ESO a limitation because of console. It can be put into the PC version and console version. And again FFXIV, uses 16 abilities, on the ps4/ps3. PS4/ps3 hey what do you know, they use a controller. So they could make it work just fine on both platforms with what you are asking. Yes I agree these should get implemented. But a console is not limiting them being put in.

TehMagnus

stewie_801 wrote: »

So since you can't answer why any of the limitations are the consoles fault on any other thread, I'll post here too. You should really try some of the MMOs on console before saying that they are limited in terms of UI. Pretty sure the ones I have played had a search function in the stores. PS4 comes with a virtual keyboard for players to type. So they and the pc counterparts could use this easily. In no way is it not being on ESO a limitation because of console. It can be put into the PC version and console version. And again FFXIV, uses 16 abilities, on the ps4/ps3. PS4/ps3 hey what do you know, they use a controller. So they could make it work just fine on both platforms with what you are asking. Yes I agree these should get implemented. But a console is not limiting them being put in.

The "press Q to select potion or siege weapon" is obviously made to be used with a game pad. All other MMORPGs have consumable bars. It's pretty simple, as soon as you see a circular menu in a game with options on the sides, it's because of console port (I.E: Assasin's creed/ GTA 4 weapons selection just to name a couple).

The limitations in Search for Guild Store are also obviously there because of consoles.

You cite PS4 having workarounds for it, you don't speak about Xbox One. Game will be ported to both, not only PS4. As for a virtual keyboard, might as well have nothing since it's as tedious to use a virtual keyboard as to select options with a pad.

At last, in the early beta videos, we didn't have 5+1 skills so why would they change it? Consoles

In any case, if there can be combinations, there is no reason to have such an unfriendly interface for PC users that, once again is clearly inspired on consoles gameplay.

stefan.gustavsonb16_ESO

I agree that the 2-D UI is very poorly designed and implemented. Many basic design principles are being violated all over the place, and some of the stuff doesn't even work as intended.

OrangeTheCat

I've been /feedback-ing these same issues since beta. Obviously, zos doesn't hear or else refuse to take action. The UI really is horrible in this game. And then the ability lag... really makes me wonder about their abilities.

As for the Q wheel. I no longer use it during combat because it gets me killed. Even the add-on for it (adds ability-like slots for the items) Is only a marginal improvement but better than nothing.

stewie_801

Well sorry that I play PS4 not xbox one so don't know about them. What I am pointing out is the limitations you claim exist because of consoles is stupid. Again this game is not being designed to be cross platform playable. So any button combos needed to do an ability does not affect you on pc. So if it required a combo to get to use 10 abilities , and you on pc can use 1 button for each ability, then so be it.

And again these are not workarounds, they are ways that current console games do the same functions.

Point is it is not limited by console which you seem like you cannot grasp that. I know everyone just wants to bash consoles. Just doesn't make sense. Again they could do something like you asked for with the consumables on console. It is not limited by it. There is a difference. They designed the UI to have a minimalist view. But consoles can support more than that if ZOS had chosen too.

TehMagnus

OrangeTheCat wrote: »

I've been /feedback-ing these same issues since beta. Obviously, zos doesn't hear or else refuse to take action. The UI really is horrible in this game. And then the ability lag... really makes me wonder about their abilities.

As for the Q wheel. I no longer use it during combat because it gets me killed. Even the add-on for it (adds ability-like slots for the items) Is only a marginal improvement but better than nothing.

I heard there is an add-on for that, I run the game with like 10 add-ons but I still refuse to equip an add-on for POTION management. It's like a slap in the face to 20 years of gaming history and UI design.

Many slots for potions? why? They only use one at the time anyways.

:facepalm:

stewie_801

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiMTVeWgrRU

Here is someones UI from FFXIV RR on a PS4. Hey look a minimap. And more than 6 abilities. Interesting that a console can support all of this.

TehMagnus

stewie_801 wrote: »

Well sorry that I play PS4 not xbox one so don't know about them. What I am pointing out is the limitations you claim exist because of consoles is ***. Again this game is not being designed to be cross platform playable. So any button combos needed to do an ability does not affect you on pc. So if it required a combo to get to use 10 abilities , and you on pc can use 1 button for each ability, then so be it.

And again these are not workarounds, they are ways that current console games do the same functions.

Point is it is not limited by console which you seem like you cannot grasp that. I know everyone just wants to bash consoles. Just doesn't make sense. Again they could do something like you asked for with the consumables on console. It is not limited by it. There is a difference. They designed the UI to have a minimalist view. But consoles can support more than that if ZOS had chosen too.

I'll just stop answering since you're obviously blind to the truth. The fact that we won't be playing with people from other platforms is irrelevant. It's cheaper to make on UI for all platforms that to make specific interfaces for each platform. Just because 1 game found some workarounds (and it's funny you cite FFXIV since 3 months after the game came out they had to restructure the dev team and do heavy work on the game since the development choices where a disaster), doesn't mean all game devs are the same.

Game interface is designed for console play. No PC game developer in his right mind would make a circular menu where you have to hold a key and move your mouse to select something. Circular menus is typical of consoles, never existed before games became multi platform. Anyone playing video games long enough knows this. If, in your "console love blindness" you can't accept this, might as well spot answering to my posts because we will never agree and you will never convince me since you're wrong.


Edit: Oh and in ANY case, even if, in some parallel world, what you say is true, it doesn't make less true the fact that the UI needs a lot of work and that the choices where made to adapt the game to consoles and that the problems need to be addressed.

OrangeTheCat

The minimal UI in ESO is supposed to enhance "immersion". That's what ZOS was going for. Same with phasing and other failed (judging by the community's response to them) ideas. Unfortunately, we spend so much of our time fumbling around with the consequences of a terrible UI that it makes "immersion" a sad joke. IOW, I don't think consoles had much to do with it.

stewie_801

magnusnet wrote: »

stewie_801 wrote: »

Well sorry that I play PS4 not xbox one so don't know about them. What I am pointing out is the limitations you claim exist because of consoles is ***. Again this game is not being designed to be cross platform playable. So any button combos needed to do an ability does not affect you on pc. So if it required a combo to get to use 10 abilities , and you on pc can use 1 button for each ability, then so be it.

And again these are not workarounds, they are ways that current console games do the same functions.

Point is it is not limited by console which you seem like you cannot grasp that. I know everyone just wants to bash consoles. Just doesn't make sense. Again they could do something like you asked for with the consumables on console. It is not limited by it. There is a difference. They designed the UI to have a minimalist view. But consoles can support more than that if ZOS had chosen too.

I'll just stop answering since you're obviously blind to the truth. The fact that we won't be playing with people from other platforms is irrelevant. It's cheaper to make on UI for all platforms that to make specific interfaces for each platform. Just because 1 game found some workarounds (and it's funny you cite FFXIV since 3 months after the game came out they had to restructure the dev team and do heavy work on the game since the development choices where a disaster), doesn't mean all game devs are the same.

Game interface is designed for console play. No PC game developer in his right mind would make a circular menu where you have to hold a key and move your mouse to select something. Circular menus is typical of consoles, never existed before games became multi platform if you can't accept this, might as well spot answering to my posts.

So according to you from previous posts, no minimap, no searching by keyword in the guild store, and 6 abilities only are solely because of consoles limitations and they could not be supported otherwise, despite me giving you evidence that they are able to do so if ZOS wished.By your logic, a console could not support 7 abilities. Or a minimap. Seems like your the one who can't read. Despite the fact I want these features on platforms, doesn't change the fact that they could be incorporated for both platforms.

Please note the difference between being designed for something, versus limited because of something. ZOS very well may have designed this with consoles in mind. However they were not limited in the ways you have stated. I have given evidence of other console MMOs, which you seem to just ignore since it doesn't support your argument. Again learn the difference between limited by something and designed for.

TehMagnus

OrangeTheCat wrote: »

The minimal UI in ESO is supposed to enhance "immersion". That's what ZOS was going for. Same with phasing and other failed (judging by the community's response to them) ideas.

I heard that about the lack of minimap and I could understand it, but it doesn't cover the grouping/guild store problems.

TehMagnus

stewie_801 wrote: »

magnusnet wrote: »

stewie_801 wrote: »

Well sorry that I play PS4 not xbox one so don't know about them. What I am pointing out is the limitations you claim exist because of consoles is ***. Again this game is not being designed to be cross platform playable. So any button combos needed to do an ability does not affect you on pc. So if it required a combo to get to use 10 abilities , and you on pc can use 1 button for each ability, then so be it.

And again these are not workarounds, they are ways that current console games do the same functions.

Point is it is not limited by console which you seem like you cannot grasp that. I know everyone just wants to bash consoles. Just doesn't make sense. Again they could do something like you asked for with the consumables on console. It is not limited by it. There is a difference. They designed the UI to have a minimalist view. But consoles can support more than that if ZOS had chosen too.

I'll just stop answering since you're obviously blind to the truth. The fact that we won't be playing with people from other platforms is irrelevant. It's cheaper to make on UI for all platforms that to make specific interfaces for each platform. Just because 1 game found some workarounds (and it's funny you cite FFXIV since 3 months after the game came out they had to restructure the dev team and do heavy work on the game since the development choices where a disaster), doesn't mean all game devs are the same.

Game interface is designed for console play. No PC game developer in his right mind would make a circular menu where you have to hold a key and move your mouse to select something. Circular menus is typical of consoles, never existed before games became multi platform if you can't accept this, might as well spot answering to my posts.

So according to you from previous posts, no minimap, no searching by keyword in the guild store, and 6 abilities only are solely because of consoles limitations and they could not be supported otherwise, despite me giving you evidence that they are able to do so if ZOS wished.By your logic, a console could not support 7 abilities. Or a minimap. Seems like your the one who can't read. Despite the fact I want these features on platforms, doesn't change the fact that they could be incorporated for both platforms.

You give evidence of ONE game poorly developed that had a workarround. I don't call that proof of anything. Just because ZOS could have done it like that, it doesn't mean they thought of it or that they wanted so much hassle. It's easier to say: "Maximum number of supported abilities for the basic use of game pads is 7. Let's build on this." than to find and implement difficult work-arrounds from a failed developers team.

I never said the lack of minimap was due to the console port, my question is "will there be a different dev branch (for stores and the circular menu aberrations) and improvements to UI like groupping & addons (nothing to do with consoles)

As for the 7 abilities, once again, there are videos proving the game once had more and most console MMOs or even RPG/FPS games (except the poorly designed one you keep talking about) are limited because of the game pad.

guybrushtb16_ESO

This UI is so blatantly obviously designed for consoles that you must be in complete denial to not see it. Ironically, there are better interfaces for mmos on consoles now, but the design behind the current implementation just screams "ready to port to consoles" to me.

Stupidly big tiles throughout the ui, menus in tabs sorted for controller flipping, BIG BUTTONS that are obviously placeholders for their controller counterpart instead of mouse driven menus and the list goes on...

I remember back in open beta, when the first "connect" window popped up for me, that it had an "[alt] Cancel" label in a little box, that looked like it was ripped straight from a games for windows console port. This was the moment where I knew the interface would be bad. Thankfully, there are mods for that. On pc.

OrangeTheCat wrote: »

The minimal UI in ESO is supposed to enhance "immersion". That's what ZOS was going for. Same with phasing and other failed (judging by the community's response to them) ideas. Unfortunately, we spend so much of our time fumbling around with the consequences of a terrible UI that it makes "immersion" a sad joke. IOW, I don't think consoles had much to do with it.

Whenever the alternative could be interpreted as detrimental to the product's reputation I'm pretty sure a dev wouldn't be allowed to say so openly. "We had to fit the interface to the most restricted medium in order to make it work on all of them" would not be very popular for sure.

I'm not saying they are evil malicious liars mind you, I'd probably do the same if I were in their shoes and had to live from that product (and avoid my bosses evil eye while doing so). It's just that I wouldn't take PR talk at face value, it's usually 10% truth and 90% of what they think you'd like to hear, at best.

stewie_801

magnusnet wrote: »

stewie_801 wrote: »

magnusnet wrote: »

stewie_801 wrote: »

Well sorry that I play PS4 not xbox one so don't know about them. What I am pointing out is the limitations you claim exist because of consoles is ***. Again this game is not being designed to be cross platform playable. So any button combos needed to do an ability does not affect you on pc. So if it required a combo to get to use 10 abilities , and you on pc can use 1 button for each ability, then so be it.

And again these are not workarounds, they are ways that current console games do the same functions.

Point is it is not limited by console which you seem like you cannot grasp that. I know everyone just wants to bash consoles. Just doesn't make sense. Again they could do something like you asked for with the consumables on console. It is not limited by it. There is a difference. They designed the UI to have a minimalist view. But consoles can support more than that if ZOS had chosen too.

I'll just stop answering since you're obviously blind to the truth. The fact that we won't be playing with people from other platforms is irrelevant. It's cheaper to make on UI for all platforms that to make specific interfaces for each platform. Just because 1 game found some workarounds (and it's funny you cite FFXIV since 3 months after the game came out they had to restructure the dev team and do heavy work on the game since the development choices where a disaster), doesn't mean all game devs are the same.

Game interface is designed for console play. No PC game developer in his right mind would make a circular menu where you have to hold a key and move your mouse to select something. Circular menus is typical of consoles, never existed before games became multi platform if you can't accept this, might as well spot answering to my posts.

So according to you from previous posts, no minimap, no searching by keyword in the guild store, and 6 abilities only are solely because of consoles limitations and they could not be supported otherwise, despite me giving you evidence that they are able to do so if ZOS wished.By your logic, a console could not support 7 abilities. Or a minimap. Seems like your the one who can't read. Despite the fact I want these features on platforms, doesn't change the fact that they could be incorporated for both platforms.

You give evidence of ONE game poorly developed that had a workarround. I don't call that proof of anything. Just because ZOS could have done it like that, it doesn't mean they thought of it or that they wanted so much hassle. It's easier to say: "Maximum number of supported abilities for the basic use of game pads is 7. Let's build on this." than to find and implement difficult work-arrounds from a failed developers team.

I never said the lack of minimap was due to the console port, my question is "will there be a different dev branch (for stores and the circular menu aberrations) and improvements to UI like groupping & addons (nothing to do with consoles)

As for the 7 abilities, once again, there are videos proving the game once had more and most console MMOs or even RPG/FPS games (except the poorly designed one you keep talking about) are limited because of the game pad.

Ok, well maybe you will learn the difference between being designed for consoles versus being limited because of consoles. But I seriously doubt that. Also I mentioned two separate games, FFXIV RR and DCUO, as games that are also on consoles that have features that you claim we don't have because of consoles.

Apparently you missed the argument about that even though it may have been designed the ways ZOS did because of a console release, I showed that they could've have added more if they wished. And it would still be supported.

I was not arguing what platform it was designed for. Just that it is not limited in the ways you claim it is. But I understand English is hard, its hard to understand the difference between design and limitations. Have a nice day. I'm done with this thread.

Pallmor

Man, I've been hearing this "ES is broken because it was designed for consoles" junk since Oblivion. Yet, people still seem to enjoy the games. So they must not be TOO broken.

Tandor

The Q wheel is the only issue I have with the UI, the rest works fine for me. Then again, I'm not in a guild and I don't PvP so I can't comment on it from those perspectives. From my perspective, however, it's generally pretty good if they could just improve the way I switch between potions in combat. I don't find it a game-breaking issue, of course.

Resueht

I actually really like the UI. I also think that many of the decisions made were aesthetic design choices and not ergonomic driven for consoles. I like not having my screen cluttered with crazy amounts of info.

The radial Q menu has given me zero trouble. I just remember what I have in what slot and can switch pretty easily. I will concede that having dedicated slots for this is easier, but I only have 5 fingers on a keyboard. I like the 5+1 skills because it forces you to make strategic decisions about your loadout.

HOWEVER, I respect that many people want their screen cluttered and can move their hand farther on a keyboard so I don't see why they can't have an option for some things, like slots for pots. I would like to draw the line on the 5+1 skills though. I feel this isn't a UI limitation but a game mechanic that should force you to make trade-offs between skills.

smeeprocketnub19_ESO

Yea the potion wheel fills me with irrational hatred, though for me it's numpad 9. I have died so many times because I had siege in the active slot instead of a heal pot.

ItsGlaive

A lot of the changes were made not for consoles - but to keep the 'Elder Scrolls' feel about the UI, something which didn't really become apparent to me until I (finally) tried Skyrim.

I hated the no minimap at first but I must admit I prefer the cleaner and less easy-mode option of the compass.

Having said that, my gripes with the UI do exist:

• The quickslots for one, and for that I've opted to use Harven's Potions Alert.
• Guild store/window/lack of search and general guild tools - I'll lump all of these into 2. And to fix this I'm using Guild Store Search Extended, Shopkeeper, Thurisaz Guild Info and as of today, MailR Guild.

Of course this isn't ideal, none of these addons provide tools that most mmos don't already come with as standard, but as a fix they work brilliantly.

Martinus72

Not willing to participate in this 'PC vs Consoles' side rail this topic has gone to I admit UI needs improvements, I agree with pretty much every point of OP, thank Heavens we've got addons which are patching these holes.

Sarenia

magnusnet wrote: »

- More things in the User Interface. You can't rely on add-ons for ever

I certainly can, thank you very much.

TehMagnus

Sarenia wrote: »

magnusnet wrote: »

- More things in the User Interface. You can't rely on add-ons for ever

I certainly can, thank you very much.

Good for you, you'll be able to disable most of them.

SFBryan18

Another console scapegoat before the game is even out on console.

Ragefist

UI being awful? Hmm...

Did you play Skyrim? Or see that mess of an UI Wildstar has? Dude its not bad at all

Knootewoot

I like this UI. Not to much information, just what i need. I got the consumables wheel under a 5th mouse button and can (after some practise) even switch quick during a fight. No problem at all.

I don't use any addons, because the default UI is great

Super_Sonico

Knootewoot wrote: »

I like this UI. Not to much information, just what i need. I got the consumables wheel under a 5th mouse button and can (after some practise) even switch quick during a fight. No problem at all.

I don't use any addons, because the default UI is great

I agree except for numbers. I want to see numbers. That allows for a tuning of the character you can't get otherwise. No point in telling me a skill uses 300 stamina or 300 magicka if I can't see when I'm down to 30% of my pool and only have 500 left. It makes a difference on what I do and the strategies I use.

So I only use FTC.

Sarenia

Knootewoot wrote: »

I like this UI. Not to much information, just what i need. I got the consumables wheel under a 5th mouse button and can (after some practise) even switch quick during a fight. No problem at all.

I don't use any addons, because the default UI is great

Totally agree.

Came from Everquest 2, which is all HUD all over the screen, and numbers for everything. Maths, maths, maths, and lots of clutter everywhere.

I really love not even noticing I have a UI on ESO, other than my resource bars, compass, and if I'm grouping chat. Everything else just melts away.

I do use addons though, but not any that add UI elements. Azurah for example lets me move all the HUD elements around, which IS one feature that I want to see natively in the game at some point. I like to run my resource bars at the bottom of the screen, with my party list to the right of it. Easier to track everyone's health in a fight.

TehMagnus

Ragefist wrote: »

UI being awful? Hmm...

Did you play Skyrim? Or see that mess of an UI Wildstar has? Dude its not bad at all

Skyrim: Yet again a Console UI: sucked.
Wildstar: I'm done with NCsoft games after AIon. They allways make a lot of promises and present awesome games and in the end they never deliver and games go P2W.

Elsonso

You can argue until blue about PC/Mac vs Console, but the fact is that ESO is now designed for both and it is cheaper to make a UI that works for both. The minimalistic design of the ESO and Skyrim games makes that goal much easier, if not possible.

To that end, if they insist on One UI to Rule Them All, I do expect a revision to the PC/Mac user interface in conjunction with the console release to change the way that some UI panels work. I would prefer that they take the budget hit and make a different UI for PC/Mac and console.

The future of the UI? There is every sign that they are not done hurting us, yet. The Skyrim UI clone cannot be complete until they find a way to port over that horrible Perks tree mess. Enter the Champion Points UI. It brings over the wonderful constellation UI, reinvented for ESO. We get the whole package, complete with zooming constellations and options that are a mystery until you hover over them. Oh, and like the Skyrim UI, it fits absolutely nowhere in the rest of the UI.

I seriously hope that they rethink that UI before they release Champion Points.

Still, it is clear now why they are not fixing the existing problems with the UI. The UI designers are seeing stars in their eyes.

Vizier

Thread really took a left turn. You guys can argue till your blue in the face about the catalyst and inspiration for ESO's UI. I think we can mostly agree...it needs work. The game needs some UI options, flower dial, static slot bar toggle would be a good thing IMO.

@OP The UI needs work, but your argument needs work too. You put in an extra "Q" press which isn't necessary in your description of navigating to a consumable and using it. Additionally the console port point, while probably true IMO, distracts from the question, "Is ZOS going to fix some aspects of their UI?" And while I would LOVE to have a static drag and drop consumable bar I've found that it doesn't take much effort to select a new consumable. I maintain a high mouse sensitivity though and perhaps a lesser setting would be as problematic for me as it is you.

I do like ESO's minimalist approach and allowing for addons which pretty much gives me as a player whatever I want. You'll get no arguments from me though that the UI could have been a bit better out of the box especially in the areas of inventory management and customization.