GitLab

problem

Receiving a file is complicated and obtrusive. It is a poor user experience.

analysis

If I try to send a picture to my mother, she has to go through the following:

1. a "Save as..." dialog that is not the common dialog in Windows
2. a list of file transfers that needs a serious makeover
3. a notification window with two buttons

enhancement recommendation

Dialog (1) should be the common file dialog in Windows, familiarity is good. Dialog (2) should be optional or removed completely. It is too obtrusive, and diverts attention to the conversation window. Instead, the progress should be displayed in the same chat window, with the filename, small progress bar and remaining time.

Example:

    (11:10:00) Me: Hey, I'll send you the picture now
    (11:10:03) Her: Ok, send it
    (11:10:12) Receiving Picture-001.jpg (2 Mb) [xxx 40%   ] Remaining: 1 minute 30 seconds
    (11:10:14) Me: Ok, it is on the way
    (11:10:17) Her: Thanks!

Dialog (3) shouldn't popup either. When the transfer is complete, the progress line in the chat window will be updated to reflect the duration, and the filename will be converted to a link to the file. A click on this link will open the file with the associated program. A right-click shows a menu like this:

1. Open
2. Open containing folder
3. Properties
4. Delete

Chat window after the transfer is complete:

    (11:10:00) Me: Hey, I'll send you the picture now
    (11:10:03) Her: Ok, send it
    (11:10:12) Received Picture-001.jpg (2 Mb) [xxx100%xxx] Duration: 2 minutes 30 seconds
    (11:10:14) Me: Ok, it is on the way
    (11:10:17) Her: Thanks!
    (11:12:45) Me: got it?
    (11:12:49) Her: yes, and now I could open it easily!