[Bf-funboard] User Interface, Mouse Specifically

[Matt Hissong]

Hi!

     I would like to add some functionality to the Blender interface by 
giving the mouse more power in the graphics window.  Maya can do more with 
zooming, translation and rotation by dedicating the mouse to that in the 
graphics window.  Since Blender's motto may be "one hand on the mouse, one 
hand on the keyboard," doesn't it make sense to give the mouse more power so 
that the user can use his keyboard hand for more?  Also, while I don't find 
the rest of Blender's interface objectionable, not being able to zoom, 
translate and rotate with the mouse is a pain.  I know I'm stuck in 
Maya-mode, but in respect to the mouse, it's really efficient!  I really 
don't see how this would make Blender's interface less efficient even if 
you're in the Blender mode of thinking.  You have less keyboard keys to 
press, and you could get A TON of new migrants to Blender this way.  I have 
friends that use a demo version of Maya and would like to use something 
about as powerful without STEALING IT, but they find Blender's mouse 
configuration loathsome.  I know many Blender developers find their 
interface a strength compared to the commercial 3D modeling packages, and 
bristle at the suggestion that their interface could take ANY lesson from 
the others, but really, think about it.  It's one change that would really 
be for the better, I think.  Let me know what YOU think.
     In that spirit, let's talk about developing this bad boy.  Now, I read 
something about not being able to change the Events System- which I don't 
think I'd have to do.  In that same note(on the wiki), it said that a change 
to the user interface, which merely USES the events system, would be 
allowed, however.  I think this is correct, but I just wanted to verify 
that.  Also, if this has been attempted before, or if there's anything else 
you feel I should know, please let me know.  After hearing comments for a 
while I'll probably set up a project and get cranking on this.  If someone 
else beats me to it, hey, fantastic, maybe I can help.  It may be a small 
project or a large one, I really have very little concept at this point of 
how deeply buried that functionality is and how much fiddling it would take 
to alter it to my vision.
     Also, if people have objections to a mandatory interface change, this 
could be an optional selection.  Perhaps on the first startup of Blender, 
the system could ask if the user would like to have the original Blender 
mouse interface or the Maya-style mouse interface.  I get my innovation, and 
nobody else is inconvenienced.  Everybody wins!  Though I think this new 
interface, if it works well, should be the default.  But we can decide that 
if we get it working!
     Your thoughts, please!  Thank you for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,
Matt Hissong