1. Project name. Should we keep the original name, and just call it version 2? Should we name it something different?
2. List of features that you'd like to see carried over from MB3D.
3. Any new features you want. For example something that is currently in other 3D fractal programs.
4. UI design mock ups, sketches, ideas, etc.
5. Technical side of things. Suggestions for programming language, UI library, architecture, etc.
6. Input on anything else I am forgetting right now.
1. Regarding names: "Mbulb"
3. New feature: Extensive help docs with a search engine built as a menu item like Autodesk Maya. Also built in sample library like Maya's Visor "Get Example". As this would be time consuming and expensive maybe the hardcore MB3D users could contribute to this in some organized fashion.
4. UI: See Nuke's (compositing software) interface as it's node based... which would be great. Non destructive, easy to navigate, easy to experiment in. Clean simple interface. The scrolling Properties Panel would be ideal for Formulas.
5. Suggestion for programming language: Python, not that I know how to program but it's a popular with other VFX software.
6. If possible a written and visual explanation of the terminology if that's even possible for the dumb ass artist types like me.
Maya and Nuke have put a lot of effort into their interface and changes to it almost every year with small tweaks in the effort to make it better, why not borrow from that instead of inventing completely new interface. Nuke is the best I've seen, very efficient... forgo sexy, keep it intuitive and clean.
Avoid lots of digging through menus / layers, keep everything visible at once. For example all the formulas values and attributes are on the screen at one time as an option. As a new user to MB3D I get confused very quickly. Understanding formulas is challenging enough but klunky software makes it extra frustrating. Yes you can get use to anything in time, but if your starting fresh then I would love to see the above changes.
Take advantage of all the screen space, many VFX artist have dual monitors, again Nuke has addressed this well allowing you to save your own custom settings regarding this. Attached is a screenshot of Nuke's interface.
Thank you so much for allowing me to add my input. I'm in awe of your skills... I'll never hope to understand the voodoo you do.