Workflow

The workflow in UNIVERSE is basically divided in two parts:

• building the user interface
• adding functionality

In more complex projects the two areas blend together at some points because the logic elements like Decision or Text Modifiers are also added to the UI and integrated via the Node-based Programming System.

Building the user interface

To get started with building a user interface after opening a new project head over the Toolbar. The Toolbar holds all the different kinds of Controls. To add a Control to the Stage you can simply drag and drop it to the desired position on the Stage. To change the labels or colors of a Control select it and adjust the corresponding item in the Properties Panel on the right. Repeat the process until the basic layout of your interface is complete.

Adding functionality

Since you now already have a nice user interface to work with it's time to add the functionality to the Controls. All panels that are relevant for this step are located in the Logic Panel at the bottom of the UNIVERSE editor.

Go to the Devices tab of the Logic Panel. On the left side you find the Device library with all supported devices, softwares and protocols. To add a new device to your project, search your the device you want to add in the Device library and drag and drop it to the Active Devices list on the right. Every Device has Properties that need to be configured in order for UNIVERSE to connect to the Device. Select the device in the Active Devices list and go to the Properties Panel on the right of the editor. Set all the Properties to match you local setup.

Once the Device is configured correctly you can assign the functionality to the Controls. Select a Control. UNIVERSE automatically switches to the Commands tab in the Logic Panel. To add a Command to the Control drag and drop the Device onto the Command Stack and configure the parameters. You can execute a Control in Edit Mode by holding the Shift Key