UI Proposal đŸ« move skills+paragon+specialization to a separate window on the left screen side (image included)

PC General Discussion
1

Tbh, even after 7 Seasons, Diablo 4’s UI hasnt become second nature to me yet. I still confuse and misclick buttons & tabs on a regular basis, partly due to the amount of clicking needed in overly nested windows and due to the lack of clear visuals when it comes to said buttons.

With this post I am sharing a proposal that shows two possible UI changes that can give me and other players an easier time. My main feedback to those in charge is:

  1. I suggest to use the left screen side for Skill Tree/Paragon/Specializations, so a separate window can be open simultanously with the Character/Inventory window on the right screen side. This avoids window hopping to some degree and it also makes stat or skill checking possible, while doing equipment or paragon swaps.
  2. Use labeled tabs and buttons more frequently for switching between windows. In rows where space isnt a problem, consider something similar to the Skill Tree/Paragon window design. If you think this will look cluttered, check my image below.
  3. Don’t hesitate to use colors. I feel like the stone cold theme is overused and even some wooden brown tones would improve the readability a lot. Symbols alone can be misleading, and all-gray, low-contrast icons provide minimal visual cues.

https://imgur.com/a/TI2QdUt

In this image you can see what I have in mind for points 1 + 2.

Additional Notes & Thoughts click to expand
  • While I havent touched on the Witchcraft/Equipment/Sockables/Consumables/Dungeon Keys row specifically, everything stated accounts for this icon bar as well.
  • While moving things around in my graphics program, I noticed that the UI can get rid of the category bar on the left screen. This gave glyphs another (very needed) row.
  • After finishing I further thought about the need for reduced clicking and mouse movement. Icons still make sense in a vertical column: https://imgur.com/a/M8VlCJ9. Players with RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) and those who like to avoid it will be thankful if clickable UI elements are located near the screen center.
3 Likes
2

You forgot the ordering stash items button
 :woozy_face: :dizzy_face: :zipper_mouth_face:

1 Like
4

How do you imagine this in couch co-op?

5

Looks okay to me, however stash space is limited due to how they programmed stashes. If you open your stash, you also open the stash inventory of every player near you. That is why they have not address stash space to date.

6

Good question. I had no idea this is a thing.
I will look into it.
EDIT: Appearently multiplayer also requires a different window handling for vendors. So I wouldnt make a big deal out of it. Since left and right window designs are similar, there is basically no change required, other than switching sides. Those windows just cant be open at the same time while playing in couch-coop.

You mean the second image, right?

If anyone is interested discussing the stash mockup: