I would like to suggest integrating add on settings more closely into the settings area of XBMC. Currently, getting to add on settings is not obvious for new users (Settings > Add Ons > Enabled Add Ons > (Category) > (Add on name) > Select add on/Context menu > Configure). For new users, and for plugins which provide many options or options a user might want to return to regularly, a system more integrated into the Settings area would be welcome.
I would envision two separate scenarios - both of which I have included use cases for below.
Scenario 1 - An add on providing multiple settings covering a number of areas. I would see this integrating into the root of "Settings", adding another item which launches straight to the plugins settings
Use Case 1 - Sam has an Apple TV 1st Generation, on which he has installed the 'CrystalBuntu' distribution - a distribution specific for his client - which includes an add on for configuring the client. He wishes to configure the internal wifi card, so goes to 'Settings' where he makes all changes to his system, and sees a 'CrystalBuntu' option installed by the add on installed along with his system. From here he selects 'wifi' to show options related to his clients wifi card.
Scenario 2 - For add ons which only provide settings related to a single area, and which generally are set up on install of the add on and then left alone unless a change of user requirements requires changes. For these, to ease access I would suggest a new option under "Add-Ons" labeled 'Configure' which gives a list of all installed add-ons. Selecting one would take you straight to the settings dialog for that add-on.
Case use 2 - Samantha has been using XBMC for a while, but wants to add a new source to her subtitles plugin for her new anime dvd rip. She goes to System > Add Ons > Configure, then selects XBMC-Subtitles to open up the add ons settings dialog and add a source which provides anime subtitles.
I would envision two separate scenarios - both of which I have included use cases for below.
Scenario 1 - An add on providing multiple settings covering a number of areas. I would see this integrating into the root of "Settings", adding another item which launches straight to the plugins settings
Use Case 1 - Sam has an Apple TV 1st Generation, on which he has installed the 'CrystalBuntu' distribution - a distribution specific for his client - which includes an add on for configuring the client. He wishes to configure the internal wifi card, so goes to 'Settings' where he makes all changes to his system, and sees a 'CrystalBuntu' option installed by the add on installed along with his system. From here he selects 'wifi' to show options related to his clients wifi card.
Scenario 2 - For add ons which only provide settings related to a single area, and which generally are set up on install of the add on and then left alone unless a change of user requirements requires changes. For these, to ease access I would suggest a new option under "Add-Ons" labeled 'Configure' which gives a list of all installed add-ons. Selecting one would take you straight to the settings dialog for that add-on.
Case use 2 - Samantha has been using XBMC for a while, but wants to add a new source to her subtitles plugin for her new anime dvd rip. She goes to System > Add Ons > Configure, then selects XBMC-Subtitles to open up the add ons settings dialog and add a source which provides anime subtitles.