Equinor FMU Settings GUI: Masterdata Editing Issues

Hey guys! We've got a bit of a deep dive today, tackling some key issues in the Equinor FMU Settings GUI, specifically around the masterdata editing functionality. This is super important for maintaining data integrity and making sure our workflows are smooth. So, let's break down the issues and how we can make things better. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll have a solid grasp of what’s going on and how we can tackle these challenges head-on.

1. Preventing Edits in Read-Only Mode

So, first off, let's talk about the read-only mode. Currently, there's a bit of a snag. Even when a project is in read-only mode, the GUI lets you tweak the masterdata form and hit that tempting “Save” button. But here's the kicker: the API steps in and blocks the write operation, flashing a toast message. Not the best user experience, right? I mean, who wants to fill out a form only to be told their efforts were in vain? We need to be smarter about this, guys. It’s like showing someone a delicious cake, letting them take a bite, and then snatching it away – cruel and unusual, I say!

The core issue here is about setting clear expectations. We need to prevent users from even attempting to make changes when they don't have the necessary permissions. Think of it like a locked door: you shouldn't even be able to jiggle the handle if you don't have the key. So, how do we fix it? The solution lies in disabling the form elements and the Save button outright when the project is in read-only mode. This not only prevents frustration but also adds a layer of clarity – a visual cue that says, “Hey, this is a read-only zone!”

Implementing this change will involve a bit of front-end magic. We'll need to tie the form's state to the project's mode. When the project switches to read-only, the form should automatically gray out, and the Save button should become as unresponsive as a teenager asked to do chores. This way, we ensure that users aren't wasting their time and energy on actions that are doomed to fail. Plus, it aligns with the best practices of user interface design – making the system's limitations clear and upfront.

2. Disabling the Save Button When No Changes Are Made

Moving on to our next item, let's chat about the Save button. It’s a powerful little guy, but right now, he's a bit too eager. He’s always there, bright and clickable, even when you haven’t actually changed anything in the form. It’s like having a friend who's always ready to go out, even when there’s nowhere to go – enthusiastic, but not always practical. We need to teach our Save button some restraint.

The goal here is simple: the Save button should only be enabled when there are actual changes to save. This not only prevents unnecessary API calls but also reduces the cognitive load on the user. Imagine filling out a long form and then second-guessing yourself: “Did I change anything? Should I hit Save just in case?” We can eliminate that doubt by making the button's state reflective of the form's state.

To achieve this, we can tap into the isDefaultValue property. By subscribing to the form's changes and monitoring this property, we can dynamically enable or disable the Save button. If nothing has changed, isDefaultValue remains true, and the button stays grayed out. But as soon as a field is touched, the button lights up, signaling that there's something worth saving. It’s like a little green light saying, “Go ahead, you’ve earned it!”

And there's more! The tooltip text on the Save button needs a little love too. Currently, it suggests that the form can be submitted once all errors are resolved. But if the button is enabled even when there are no changes, this tooltip becomes misleading. We need to update it to reflect the new behavior – something like, “Save changes to masterdata” or “No changes to save.” This ensures that the tooltip aligns with the button's functionality, providing clear and accurate guidance to the user.

3. Addressing Initial Validation Errors and UI Issues

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of adding and editing masterdata for the first time. This is where things get a little bumpy, especially for new users. We've got a few UI quirks and validation issues that we need to iron out to make the initial experience smoother. Think of it like setting up a new apartment – you want everything to be just right from the start, right?

Initial Validation Errors

The first issue is the dreaded validation error: Initial value “(none)” does not exist in the selection list. This pops up right when you start, which is not a great first impression. It’s like being greeted with a problem before you’ve even had a chance to do anything! We need to ditch this initial error message. It’s not helpful, and it can be confusing.

Instead of showing this cryptic message, we should either hide the validation error entirely on startup or replace it with something more user-friendly, like a simple “Required” message. This is especially important for fields that are mandatory but haven’t been filled in yet. A clear and concise message helps the user understand what’s expected of them without causing unnecessary alarm. It’s like saying, “Hey, just fill this in, and you’re good to go!”

Error Icon Size

Next up, let’s talk about the error icon in the validation. It’s a bit on the small side, especially when compared to the helper text in other components. We want consistency across the board, so let’s bump up the size of the error icon to 16px, just like our helper text. This ensures that error messages are visually prominent and easy to spot. It’s a small tweak, but it makes a big difference in terms of usability.

ItemsContainer and Discoveries

Then, there’s the ItemsContainer. It needs a minimum height defined, or the Discoveries should have an initial none value as well. This prevents the UI from looking wonky when there’s no data loaded yet. It’s like making sure your furniture fits the room – you want everything to look balanced and proportional. By setting a minimum height, we ensure that the ItemsContainer always occupies a reasonable amount of space, even when it’s empty.

Disabling the Save Button on Initial Validation Errors

Last but not least, the Save button should be disabled when there are initial validation errors. This ties back to our earlier point about preventing users from submitting invalid forms. If there are errors right off the bat, the Save button should stay grayed out until those errors are resolved. This reinforces the idea that the form needs to be in a valid state before it can be saved. It’s like having a safety lock on a machine – you can’t start it until everything is in place.

4. Fixing Padding in the Info Chip

Alright, let's zoom in on a tiny but noticeable UI detail: the padding in the info chip. If you look closely, you'll see that the spacing isn't quite even. It's a minor visual hiccup, but these kinds of inconsistencies can add up and make the overall interface feel less polished. It’s like having a slightly crooked picture frame – you might not notice it at first, but once you do, it’s hard to unsee.

The fix here is straightforward: we need to adjust the padding in the info chip to ensure it's evenly spaced. This might involve tweaking the CSS styles or adjusting the component's layout. The goal is to create a balanced and symmetrical look, where the text and icon within the chip have equal spacing on all sides. It’s a small detail, but it’s these small details that contribute to a professional and user-friendly design.

5. Improving the Masterdata Edit Button Text

Now, let’s talk about the button that opens the masterdata edit dialog. Currently, it always says Edit masterdata, which isn't quite right. When there's no initial data, it would make more sense for the button to say Add masterdata. This aligns with how we handle other edit dialogs in the GUI and provides a clearer indication of the button's action. It’s like labeling your drawers: you want the label to accurately reflect what’s inside.

To take this a step further, we could simplify the button text even more. Instead of Edit masterdata and Add masterdata, we could just use Edit and Add. Since we’re already in the masterdata section, the context is clear, and the shorter labels are more concise and user-friendly. It’s like using shorthand in a conversation – if everyone knows what you’re talking about, you don’t need to spell everything out.

This change is about consistency and clarity. By using Edit and Add across the board, we create a more predictable and intuitive user experience. Users will quickly learn what to expect from these buttons, regardless of where they encounter them in the GUI. It’s like having a common language: once you understand the basic vocabulary, you can navigate the system with ease.

6. Automatically Adding Fields to Project Masterdata

Last but definitely not least, let’s tackle the issue of adding fields to project masterdata. Currently, when new fields are added, they don't automatically get added to the project's masterdata. This means users have to manually add them, which can be a bit tedious and prone to errors. We can streamline this process by automating the addition of new fields.

The idea here is simple: when a new field is added, it should automatically be added to the project masterdata, along with the country (as long as there is only one unique value). This eliminates the manual step and ensures that the project masterdata is always up-to-date. It’s like having a self-updating address book – you add a new contact, and it automatically syncs across all your devices.

This automation will not only save time and effort but also reduce the risk of human error. By eliminating the manual step, we remove the possibility of forgetting to add a field or adding it incorrectly. This is especially important for data integrity and consistency. It’s like having a safety net – you can trust that the system will handle the details, even if you forget.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! We've covered a lot of ground today, from preventing edits in read-only mode to automating the addition of new fields. These may seem like small issues individually, but together, they have a significant impact on the user experience and the overall efficiency of the Equinor FMU Settings GUI. By addressing these issues, we can make the system more user-friendly, less error-prone, and more aligned with the needs of our users. Let's get these fixes implemented and make our masterdata editing experience top-notch!