Ask HN: Feedback on my keyboard-based flowchart editor? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Feedback on my keyboard-based flowchart editor?

3 pointsescot4 comments

Hey HN, I’m working on a free online flowchart editor. It’s designed for speed by leveraging keyboard shortcuts, auto layout, and a new kind of sheet-like UI:

knotend.com

I did a Show HN a few months back (below) and have made updates based on what people said back then.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27256861

Thanks!

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when I finished writing (without clicking enter) I expect to move to the lower cell by clicking down arrow. Enter should also move you to the lower cell I think (I created bunch of nodes and then added text). Shift+enter to new line inside cell.

When someone visits your site for the first time, show them the help popup. Other than that we are lost.

I think trying to write in a white cell should automaticly create new node.

Arrow keys are also not the most ergonomical option. I would prefer to have vim like keybindings (or both?) so option + l to create node on the right.

You also need add sibling shortcut. It feels more natural for me i guess.

I wish there was an option to enlarge cells. For example I wrote some stuff but I cant see it when editing and unfocused.

I wish there was an option to color stuff.

Other then that I kinda like it. My use case is to think creatively through flowchart, not exporting it.

Roam research makes it harder to jump between nodes when new idea strikes.

If you are interested in feedback on new versions you can mail me (mail in the profile)

Thank you for the feedback. I'll take you up on emailing you for new versions.

> show them the help popup

My goal is to make it usable without forcing the user to look at a tutorial. Otherwise it is too difficult. I agree its not there yet though. How did you figure it out? Did you use the Help icon or just click around to learn it?

> vim like keybindings

This would be cool, I just have to find the right user experience.

> sibling shortcut

Great idea, I hadn't thought of that.

> My use case is to think creatively

Could you give me an example? I use it for the same purpose, but typically I'm plotting events over time. For example right now I'm using it to manage the steps in a database migration at work. This may be quite different from your use case which sounds more like a hierarchical/mindmap kind of an exploration. How do you jump between nodes in Roam?

> write in a white cell should automaticly create new node.

And I also agree here to an extent, I just haven't found the right UX. Since the user can't control the layout (its done automatically) it can be confusing to write a new node in an empty cell but then have the layout algo immediately move that cell (based on its connections).

Clickable link:

https://www.knotend.com

Reply on news.ycombinator.com