Understanding Search Boxes in Logos 4

In the latest build of Logos 4 for the Mac (4.0.3.2697), there are two search boxes. One is in the icon bar, and the other in the main window (with "GO" beside it).

What is the functional distinction between these two search boxes?

I note that if I type a reference in the first box, I get a number of options to choose from:

Yet, even in selecting one of these options, nothing ever happens. The program just sits there.

If I type the same reference in the second search box, I get two options:

Choosing the second option produces this screen:

Of course, I had to take this screenshot very quickly because at this point Logos 4 tends to crash within a few seconds.

But again, to my main question, what is the functional differences between these two search boxes? Thanks.

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J.R. Miller

What is the functional distinction between these two search boxes?

The top box is the "Command Box" the one with the "Go" next to it is the search box. Just like the Windows version, they each perform different functions. There are videos on the Logos Home page that illustrate these features.

Of course, I had to take this screenshot very quickly because at this point Logos 4 tends to crash within a few seconds.

Posting your logs would help fix the bug, otherwise why bother mentioning it?

R. Mansfield

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30114#Comment_30114

I've watched some of the videos, but as of yet, there's very little correspondence with the Mac version, so I simply forgot.

As for why I'd bother mentioning the crash, I suppose I just do so because it's annoying. Beyond that, remind me how to obtain logs for Logos 4/Mac (I ran a search of the forums, but only found the instructions for 1.2.2), and I'll post them.

Thanks.

R. Mansfield

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30141#Comment_30141

As for why I'd bother mentioning the crash, I suppose I just do so because it's annoying.

What may not have been clear in this cheeky reply is that the antecedent for the pronoun it was the fact that Logos 4/Mac frequently crashes, not that I was merely mentioning it. In other words, I wasn't mentioning in an attempt to be annoying; rather, I was mentioning it because I was annoyed [:)]

Mark Allison

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30141#Comment_30141

Joe,

Does Logos seriously want us to send in a crash log every time the alpha crashes? If so, help us find the link. I think though that it will probably overload their servers.

I had the same question Rick did regarding the two entry boxes. If a user is forced to watch a video in order to understand basic interface concepts, it's probably time to start rethinking your design.

R. Mansfield

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30114#Comment_30114

Okay, so I followed the instructions found here -- http://community.logos.com/forums/t/3311.aspx -- to try to create log files. Now I notice that the blue icon in my menu bar is gone. On one hand, that's not so bad because unlike all the other icons up there, there is no option for whether or not it appears. On the other hand, I fear that now Logos 4/Mac is no longer indexing my library. Since it's Day 5, and I've never had a complete indexing, this can't be a good thing.

Previously, if I stopped indexing, the icon would go away and reappear when I restarted Logos 4/Mac. Now that no longer happens.

J.R. Miller

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30160#Comment_30160

Mark, I only report new crashes when trying to do things I have not done before. Just post what you can. The instructions are here http://community.logos.com/forums/t/3311.aspx

Richard, I know you are a dedicated Accordance guy, but I sure hope you stick around for Alpha/Beta testing. I think you could offer a lot of good ideas throughout the process. I hope to see you around brother.

R. Mansfield

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30348#Comment_30348

Richard, I know you are a dedicated Accordance guy, but I sure hope you stick around for Alpha/Beta testing. I think you could offer a lot of good ideas throughout the process. I hope to see you around brother.

Oh, I've invested in the product, so I'll be sticking around [:)]

Question about the blue icon in the menu bar that I mentioned earlier-- does it go away if all indexing and downloading is done? It's no longer there, but flashes briefly when I start up Logos 4/Mac. Could it be that it's actually finished?? I've seen it all week, so it's hard to know if there's something wrong or if it's just following prescribed behavior.

Cameron Watters (Faithlife)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30360#Comment_30360

Question about the blue icon in the menu bar that I mentioned earlier-- does it go away if all indexing and downloading is done? It's no longer there, but flashes briefly when I start up Logos 4/Mac. Could it be that it's actually finished?? I've seen it all week, so it's hard to know if there's something wrong or if it's just following prescribed behavior.

The process that handles indexing (and updates) is started each time you launch the app. It waits a few seconds before showing the icon, but if it doesn't finish fast enough, it's possible that you may see it flash.

If the icon disappears (or doesn't appear at app startup) that means it doesn't have any work to do (indexing or updates).

You could confirm this by doing a basic search. You won't get results unless indexing has completed at least once.

Cameron Watters (Faithlife)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30406#Comment_30406

Also, given the fact that there is some confusion about the search boxes, my advice to "run a basic search" may not be very helpful.

Some background:

1) The textbox at the top of the main window (right of the three large icons) is the "Command Bar", which can be used to initiate a search, but can do a whole lot more, too (including "Facilitate Serendipitous Discovery"--literally).

2) The textbox with the "Go" button is actually the "Enter Passage, Click Go" box on the homepage. You can launch a search from it as well.

3) Previously unmentioned in this thread is the "Search Panel" which is opened when you launch a search from either of the previously described textboxes OR if you click the magnifying glass button at the top of the main window. The panel offers only basic search as of Alpha 2, but bible search should be along shortly, with morph search and syntax search following a bit later.

That should cover the basics of searching.

Mark Allison

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/30458#Comment_30458

Thanks for the clarification Cameron.

However, two text entry boxes that have overlapping functionality, one of which is ambiguously labelled and one which is not labelled at all, is simply terrible interface design. This is particularly true when these two elements are the only way of interacting with the interface without going to the menu bar.

J.R. Miller

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/32207#Comment_32207

two text entry boxes that have overlapping functionality, one of which is ambiguously labelled and one which is not labelled at all, is simply terrible interface design.

I am not a huge fan of the two text box system, but the fat that they are not labeled is because it is Alpha Mark. The windows version has some grayed out text to label each box. But overall I agree that two text boxes with no real options does not make a lot of intuitive sense.