[Suggestion] User Interface Improvements
Here are a few suggestions I have regarding improvements to the User Interface (UI):
Suggestion: UI Configurable Option - UI Size Scaling
Reason: Currently, some aspects of the UI (i.e. chat window, journal, action bar) seem bulky and somewhat detracting from the immersive graphical experience that Final Fantasy XIV is trying to present.
Proposed Solution: To remedy this, I propose that an option be introduced into the in-game configuration menu (in the form of a 'bar slider' or possibly a text input field) which allows the user to scale the entire User Interface, or seperate elements of that interface if possible, to better facilitate the visual and functional layout they prefer.
Suggestion: UI Toggle Option - Lock Action Bar
Reason: After a target is defeated, the Action Bar tends to disappear as if combat has ended. This can be a nuisance when trying to switch to a different page of the Action Bar while also switching to another enemy/target.
Proposed Solution: In order to facilitate smooth use of the Action Bar in battles involving multiple targets, I propose that an option to either lengthen the delay time for the Action Bar's disappearing or to lock the Action Bar to remain always visible be implemented.
Suggestion: UI Toggle Option - UI Lock
Reason: Sometimes the moveable portions of the User Interface may be accidentally moved (such as during combat when a large number of mouse-clicks may be registered).
Proposed Solution: To remedy this, I propose that a toggleable option be introduced in the in-game configuration menu that allows the UI to be locked in place to prevent accidental moving.
Suggestion: UI Selectable Option - Font Size of Various Elements
Reason: Sometimes font my be too large (i.e. chat/battle log) or too small (i.e. status icon tooltips) for some players.
Proposed Solution: My suggestion is to introduce configurable options in the in-game configuration menu that allows the user to configure font options and sizes for different elements of the UI.
Suggestion: New UI Element - Tooltip Mouse-Over
Reason: Currently, exact character attribute functions (i.e. Piety, Strength) may be somewhat elusive, especially for new players. Additionally, an issue which causes the game to crash after being minimized in full-screen mode complicates the issue for players trying to search for this information on online sites.
Proposed Solution: In order to ameliorate this issue, I propose that Tooltips be implemented to various items (especially Attribute menu items) which allows for users to see additional information about the menu item when their mouse pointer hovers over it.
Also, in the case of Attribute menu items, I additionally propose that Formulaic information be displayed for attributes in order to better help more advanced players understand the relation between allocated points and the attributes which are affected.
Thank you for any consideration regarding this suggestions.