manual_slop/conductor/tracks/manual_ux_validation_20260302/spec.md

Track Specification: Manual UX Validation & Polish (manual_ux_validation_20260302)

Overview

This track is an unusual, highly interactive human-in-the-loop review session. The user will act as the primary QA and Designer, manually using the GUI and observing it during slow-interval simulation runs. The goal is to aggressively iterate on the "feel" of the application: analyzing blinking animations, structural decisions (Tabs vs. Panels vs. Collapsing Headers), knob/control placements, and the efficacy of popups (including adding auto-close timers).

Architectural Constraints: The "Immediate Mode Iteration Contract"

• Rapid Prototyping: This track bypasses strict TDD for layout changes to allow the user to rapidly see and "feel" UI adjustments.
• View-Only Changes: Refactoring MUST remain confined to the GUI layer (gui_2.py or the future app_controller.py if decoupled). State machine logic should not be altered unless directly required for a visual effect (like an animation timer).
• Simulation Harness: Changes must be observable via a specialized slow-mode simulation that gives the user time to watch state transitions.

Functional Requirements

• Slow-Mode Observation: Create or modify a simulation script to run with deliberately long delays (e.g., 3-5 seconds between AI actions) so the user can observe UI states.
• Layout Restructuring: Adjust the hierarchy of Tabs, Panels, and Collapsing Headers iteratively based on user feedback during the session.
• Animation & Feedback: Tune blinking animations (frequency, color) and visual cues for AI activity and user input.
• Popup Behavior: Review all error and confirmation popups. Implement timed auto-close logic for non-critical informational popups.

Acceptance Criteria

• A slow-interval observation simulation exists and functions.
• Structural layout (Tabs/Panels/Headers) is finalized and explicitly approved by the user.
• Animations and visual feedback triggers feel responsive and intuitive to the user.
• Popup behaviors (including any new auto-close timers) are implemented and approved.
• Final explicit sign-off from the user on the overall GUI UX.