Nixielyzer Design Preference
FOLLOW UP SURVEY to PREVIOUS POST (the one immediately preceding this) about the NIXIELYZER https://www.patreon.com/posts/in-9-nixielyzer-28956870
Jürgen knows his way around a circuit but perhaps has more of an engineers approach to design. On the flip side I haven’t got a clue how to make anything, but I know what looks good (to me). We’re the equivalent of 2019 Woz and Jobs (this is a deliberately over grandiose and tongue-in-cheek statement made for comic effect).
In the video about the Nixielyzer you’ll have seen me demonstrate a prototype with Jürgen’s original design and I suggested that I felt it could benefit from a simplification of the front panel.
Of course that's just my opinion - which isn't worth a hill of beans, so I also suggested that I could put this one to a public vote here on Patreon.
The choice is between Mr Nixie’s original design or a simplified version with less text.
Please pick your preference. I've attached a photo which should help (see update below for more info)
UPDATE - Survey results.
Thank you all for your feedback. Whilst you can never please everyone, appealing to the largest possible audience is advantageous when trying to sell anything.
It's clear that the vast majority who responded prefer the simpler design - but also some of the feedback suggested additional tweaks that could be made with regard to the font and the placement of the text. As a result Jürgen has sent over a further mock-up photo that I've now added this to the bottom of this post. This now has the traditional Dieter Rams style font, text moved further from the controls, the text on the same side of all the controls, the reinstatement of the logo with a thinner outline. While there's no option for this version in the survey, if you wish, you can always provide further feedback in the comments.
Comments (75)
Make and model on top left corner and button functions no different than anything else in anyone's Hi Fi
The result looks perfect to me
I prefer B, the minimal version. Even over version C, the refined minimal version
Like old School. So original versjon.
Considering the price could you put it in a removable cage?
A door hiding the all text version
Personally, I'd not put the current Mr Nixie logo on the front, it's a bit clunky, to be honest. Definitely go for the text and placement on the third, most recent picture. If I were designing a logo for Mr Nixie, I would take inspiration from the circuit diagram symbol for a Nixie Tube. https://photos.app.goo.gl/VHcTHeptb5VXkCAF6 I think that would fit better with the "fine lines" of the labels. Just saying. :-)
Hi Stephen, thank you for your suggestion and yes, your new logo looks better than my old "condoms" ;-) I have re-drawn it as vectors in Autosketch and now imported into Photoshop. On my Kickstarter page you can see the result when scrolling on the Story fully down.
Third one is the charm.
The bottom approach feels absolutely the best and most professional for me – really nice improvement. I have a few detailed suggestions in case they’re useful: · This appears to be Helvetica Neue, but here’s an opportunity to go for something even more modern/Braun-like. There is, for example, a free very well-made font called Inter that might work really great here. · instead of a hyphen (-), maybe output an en dash or a minus (–)? most fonts have that (you should be able to copy/paste), and it’d match the plus nicely · to counter the “l” issue – Inter and some other fonts often have alternative “l”s that are more prominent. (e.g. https://rsms.me/inter/glyphs/?g=l.ss02). Up to you whether you’d want to apply that “l” to two other places you use it for consistency :·) · “r” seems a bit misaligned (not left-aligned with other labels in that section) · my suggestion would be to move “IN-9 Nixielyzer” a bit down for better balance. Perhaps the top of the “N” could be where the top of the “x” is now. · also, the excellent MR NIXIE logo could probably be pulled a bit back, maybe sized down by 20%? · for super extra nice touch – and something modern fonts allow you to do – if you use regular font weight for labels, you could consider using a light font weight for “Nixielyzer” so that the stroke widths match (since the font size is larger) · lastly, using the same font and font size for the top label (with frequencies) would be an extra nice touch
I like the clarity of the redesign's logo. I would prefer a big switch like Schiit uses on it's stuff instead of a power button. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ARyK5txtrRKzA9IeeN7Hh_5iUBBZMCu5
I like the third best.
The 3rd one is excellent, good balance. I like that it has the logo, and the font is cleaner.
i am in agreement with you. third option
I like that min text out of the two, but I really like the 3rd one in the photo the most - looks the most like a full on consumer device. In any case I imagine most of the time it's only going to stand out if it's on, and in low lighting, so even the original design I don't think takes away from it all that much.
It can happen - due to the electrical tolerances - that a few tubes show around a 1 mm remaining glow.
But what will happen when you use the internal microphone ? Than you need to be ultra quiet ;-) I have ordered a much better looking "aluminium design" knob sample; should arrive tomorrow.
Could the power on/off switch just be removed? If both gains are down to zero it would look like it’s off, i suppose?
Every help is appreciated ;-)
Nice to see Techmoan involved in the design of electronics! 😁👍
Minimal v2 is the best IMHO, but the thin black font might be a little hard to read on metal. It needs to have the same weight as other components that use this (e.g. Pioneer from the late 70's).
Third one looks great.
I'm sure you're aware, but you can also do polls on your YouTube page. I've found them very useful for deciding what video I should do next. Sometimes what you think will be popular isn't, and I've had some success picking videos (e.g. the Fiat Multipla, which I thought no one would like, but ended up being my most popular video).
At the moment this is only on Patreon...but perhaps one day I’ll use a YouTube poll, although I’d imagine when you get a lot of results there’s the equivalent of a lot of ‘spoilt ballot papers’.
The third one hit all the right points, I think.
The third is my preference too :)
Love the third design. Some great "nit-pick" further thoughts above, as well. :)
Oh, a request to pick nits? :D On retro and retro-evocative gear, I expect pop-up buttons to be labeled with the in/out states. Random image demonstrating: http://www.upstairsaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Teac-A-500-CassetteDeck-Front.jpg It would also be nice if the power button matched the color of either the case plastic or the front (the red is much too loud, the charcoal doesn't match any of the other case components). I polled the other two people immidately available in the house, and the following came up: - Labels should be ALLCAPS (3/3) (vs. lowercase or mixed case) - Position labels should have a line pointing to the switch position (2/3) (vs. not having lines) - (English/left-to-right language) text for switch positions should always be to the left of the switch (3/3) (vs. always right or "either/both") - Text for what a switch controls should be above the switch (3/3) (vs. left, right, or below) Note that the Teac image above demonstrates most of these aspects. [Edit] There was also some insistence that the font be a sans-serif, proportional (not monospace) font. Furthermore, mixed case was deemed acceptable for text not labeling a control (e.g., "Nixielyzer" is fine).
I'll have another word with the peanut gallery about fader controls -- we all misconstrued these as position switches, not faders. I suspect that the consensus will be that they should have gradiations on the left (probably either 1/8 or 1/16 divisions, with larger tics at 1/4 and 3/4, and the largest tic at 1/2) , but we'll see. [Edit] For the record, as a hobbyist live sound guy, I prefer the lines to carry through the control like this so they're easier to gage/line up (note how the fader control itself has a line on it too): https://djdeals.com/wp-content/uploads/faderfox-mx12-1-1.jpg As a visual guide, I also think that's a good "hint" that these are analog/variable, rather than positional, controls. Alternatively, you might consider a long right triangle along the left side, with the point being at the bottom (low volume end), and the big side being at the top (high volume).
Out of the options so far, I like the latest. I think it's a good business idea to have the logo on it, and the 'C' version keeps that, but also keeps the rest nice and clean. Nice work.
It's a little bit similar to my STC II power amp. Normally nobody from the High ENd fraction would connect their headphones to an "ordinary" stereo power amplifier - they would use a dedicated headphone amp. But if they are doing it (connecting the headphone to the STC II), they are blown away from the sound. This extra "bal"- slider costs me a few cent and what happens if somebody buys two devices, one for displaying the left and the other for the right channel ? So I woulld think, when I discard this "feature", many users might cry even if they will never use it, or how often have you used the Balance knob on your amp ?
I didn’t think of that - the balance control is a good idea if it means you might sell two.
That (C) is getting there! I am a little bit concerned about the lowercase "L" that can be misleading a bit... Otherwise it looks really nice. Maybe the last iteration I'd try is with uppercase first letter (and then uppercase R and L). I am actually really thinking about buying one now, eventho my wife is gonna kill me. :D
Why not buying her a pair of nice shoes or handbags ;-) But you are right, the lowercase "l" can be missunderstand.
With hindsight I see MkIII (or option C) as the best looking in my humble opinion
Keep the logo; it's nice, and pride in the designer/inventor is no bad thing. And I have no problem with plenty of labelling. I would, however, reverse the direction of the balance control as most of the time right is more associated with the lower direction when things are orientated vertically, like most VU meters are left/top, right/bottom.
The third photo makes us look classy - not a hobby DIY project 🤠
Given the line-width manufacturing constraint, I think that it would also make things look more tidy and proportional (and more like a nixie-tube-era front panel) if the _spacings_ between elements were larger. Specific suggestions: • More gap between the controls and the label text. • Put the control end-point markings (+ - L R) above and below the sliders instead of next to the label. • Use a font which is designed for engraving/plotting (fixed width lines determined by the laser) rather than the thick-lined boxy one in the prototype. This will look both neater (because it fits the capabilities of the laser) and classic (because old school control panels often had engraved and paint-filled markings).
Love the third design. I don't even mind the logo - it gives it back a bit of the "indie hardware" charm
I think each switch needs a proper clear label. Knowing that 'bal' also means 'both channels' is a bit of a stretch to work out quickly.
The writing is only intended as a cue/reminder for the owner - bal is for balance.
Design is much better overall, but I agree with others that the logo, while cool on its own, is the only thing that looks out of place on the third design.
Loved the new font. It’s almost perfect. Not a fan of the logo though.
The new font makes quite a difference, I think, the third photo is now my favourite.
Also, maybe do a more understated logo in a lower corner?
I think the power should be written out, having it as the only icon makes it feel like someone just put generic power button clip art on there
I'd prefer no controls towards the front, as once I set it up I'd leave it. I like to see the display on a base or something, but I don't need to see the controls.
Yeah, the simple version is much better. Less is always more!!
The MR NIXIE "logo" is too big and looks like used condoms. A smaller touchmark would be sufficient.
:-))) Condoms are also isolating you from the 140 V anode voltage *LOL*
I will try design a smaller logo but I must keep in mind that lines with a thickness of < 0.2 mm are very hard to laser and will sometimes not be readable.
The minimal design is much, much better. I really like it.
A new aluminium "coloured" knob for the power botton is already on order as sample, but I need to check if it fits onto the switch.
Like others have said, the minimal should still have the logo. Maybe under the microphone. Still the better of the 2 although I do kinda like the red power button.
I think this would look really sharp if the controls were knobs rather than little sliders. I can understand having a logo on the front, but to me it is too large, but go any smaller and you can't read the text. I somehow think there might be a way to create a nixie tube logo that looks like an exclamation point! Small and simple. The name of the device should be either on the back or bottom of the device.
now that you mention it little knobs would look fantastic! i also agree with the logo been a bit big but i don't really mind the design.
Less not always more but is in this case. There should be a logo, maybe something minimal & stylised. Text beside sliders might be replaced with similarly minimal, stylised icons/legends - more multi-lingual.. Power button is better in grey but neither is aesthetically pleasing (IMO). Perhaps a brushed metal button or light-action toggle?? I'd love to see point orange light sources centred on the slider buttons, so the position of each is evident in lo/w light (unnecessary, yes, but form vs function).. I'm an electronic design engineer, but like you Matt, I know what I like and can appreciate good design..
Hhm, about the backlighting. It is possible to replace the 3 mm black inner frame on front with a so called LISA fluorescent orange frame and backlight it with UV LEDs, similar to my DIGNA and STC II which have a green lighting inner frame.
I'd go a step further and switch the L R, etc. to icons (note attractive IMO) so that he can skip regionalising the design.
i kind of prefer the original, all of those little markings make it look more complex and intricate. it almost gives off a feeling of intimidation looking at it but the fact that you know what each and every little thing dose even though this makes you feel powerful. when its so simple it makes you realize just how little your doing. but i must agree that it is a bit over crowded. a balance between both gets you a really good result, like the Nagra spy recorders.
While I do appreciate a minimalist design, I also like the verbosity of some professional gear's cases like the old Nagra tape recorders or some film cameras. As I don't believe the buttons on this to be used all the time I would rather move them to the back and have a completely clean front. Or stick with A for the professional look.
Keep It Simple Stupid is the basis of all good product design. the more complex design might appear to the more Engineer-ish types, but the general public will usually go for the more simple design. Both could use a better logo though.
I like the minimal but would prefer the "Line" text on the right of the switch like MIC and BAL.
Would like to vote, but don't understand the topic enough to comment.
Alas, I did not. Just received this email with link to this post.
NEITHER! One is too cluttered, the other too bare.
If anyone out there is a real life graphic designer and wants to play the part of Jonny Ive in this fantasy - please feel free. I haven't asked Jurgen about this - but if you've got strong feelings about the way this should look then please send me a message with your suggested design and I'll send them on to him. Keep in mind the layout of the front is fixed as regards the position and size of the controls and the size and shape of the panel - it's just the printed text that can be changed. I also think he definitely wants the "IN-9 Nixielyzer" text on there so people can identify what it is from the front...so that's got to stay.
Minimal, but the font is too heavy, I would prefer a much thinner one, as Helvetica Neue. Also don't do capitals by just increasing the font size, as the weight doesn't match.
Definitely B, A is too fussy.
Being the third version guy, I’d go with a bit cleaner font (helvetica-ish) and bigger margins from the physical controls, to make it a little bit more Dieter Rams Braun style. From these two, definitely the minimal one.
My opinion is that all the labels should be at same location. “Power” on top, “mic and “bal” on right and then “line” on left; creates chaos. Inline would be preferred, but what do I know?
Based on these two choices: B. I am also one of the 'in-between' sufferers :). Anyway, I like this approach of voting for a product design!
A but without the logo. Since it's a retro concept, gotta have the common "label ALL THE THINGS" approach from back then :)
Minimal one looks cleaner
I voted for Minimal, but only because I think the letters in the logo don't look nice. (I guess this makes it one of these people? :p )