I have several suggestions to Update MIDI Designer Pro to improve designing for the Hauptwerk (HW) Virtual Pipe Organ application and other similar apps. I have been using MDP primarily designing layouts for HW for several years. There are lacking features that I feel are necessary to design for HW to create a larger audience from organists worldwide. I am currently developing a layout (attached) for a professional pianist/organist that highlights these suggestions. He has an iPad Mini, so character size is important.
- Add Button On Label Color selection: Currently the button label color is based on the Page Highlight Color setting and is either white when off and black when on or black when off and black when on. The organist plays with an orchestra in a dim concert hall and needs a subdued display. The white of the button label is required when off, but black when on isn’t visible. My workaround is to overlay each button with a yellow label with a Value Source tied to the button. The layering is important and time consuming to set up properly. I do use a panel for the buttons and another for the labels. I also use an overall layer to dim the white labels. Any edits on the button, which is common during design, destroys the layering which has to be reset.
- Add Multiline capability to Labels. My yellow label overlay is ok for numbers such as for Generals, but not for the Reversibles labels. Buttons have multiline capability but it can’t be used with label overlay that lacks that capability. More than 8 characters are generally required. 2 lines of 8 characters would be fine. Fortunately Label text format matches button text, but multi-line label text does not.
- Hide Swipe Bar. An organist uses both hands and feet. The iPad is mounted where he can reach it while playing. He often has to move his hand in a swiping motion to tap a button, such as the ‘Solo/Grt’ in the Reveribles. If he accidentally hits that swipe button, he can ruin the concert. There are quite a few iPad apps that hide the swipe button in such a way that it takes 2 swipes to activate.
Note: My iPad is 11” and my design is for a standard iPad display, thus there is a ½” black band at the far right edge. Issues working in Design Mode with my iPad having a workaround for 'more' is a whole different matter.
