Unpredictable Action Buttons

[freeman]

I've created a U.S. map with 51 freeforms (one for each state + DC), each of
which activates a corresponding, simple 2 X 2 table (also 51) that enters
offscreen from the left, displays then exists right after it is clicked. All
of them enter without problem. However, each table either exits or brings in
another table, depending on what part of the table I click. As long as I
click the very left edge of the table, it exits the way it's supposed to. If
I click inside the table, it either advances to the next slide or brings in a
table linked to another state. I've made sure that the stacking order has
placed all action buttons underneath the tables. The tables themselves are
stacked in alphabetical order (one on top of another) on the pasteboard to
the left of the slide. Each travels on a straight motion path. I'm using
PowerPoint 2003 for Windows. Anyone seen this before?

 

[Echo S]

Yes. I've seen this. In fact, there's a Jeopardy example on my site that
acts this very same way. I was thinking it's the gradient fills in the
rectangles. Do your tables have fills?

Tim Hards, one of the Perspector gurus (http://www.perspector.com) emailed
me many months ago -- he's thinking it's a problem with the exit animations
themselves. As he explained it, "The problem seems to be that following the
"Box" animation, the area covered by the box at the last moment before the
shape disappears becomes an invisible hole. Clicking on this hole results in
the user dropping through to the next slide, no matter what is in that
area."

I admit to being a slug and not confirming this, but it may give you some
ideas of things to look at as causes.

 

[freeman]

Thanks for your prompt response. The "hole" theory is an interesting. It very
well might apply here. I will follow up and post what I find. To answer your
first question, no the tables contain no gradients. Just Arial text in blue
and white filled cells.

Yes. I've seen this. In fact, there's a Jeopardy example on my site that
acts this very same way. I was thinking it's the gradient fills in the
rectangles. Do your tables have fills?

Tim Hards, one of the Perspector gurus (http://www.perspector.com) emailed
me many months ago -- he's thinking it's a problem with the exit animations
themselves. As he explained it, "The problem seems to be that following the
"Box" animation, the area covered by the box at the last moment before the
shape disappears becomes an invisible hole. Clicking on this hole results in
the user dropping through to the next slide, no matter what is in that
area."

I admit to being a slug and not confirming this, but it may give you some
ideas of things to look at as causes.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP]
http://www.echosvoice.com

I've created a U.S. map with 51 freeforms (one for each state + DC), each of
which activates a corresponding, simple 2 X 2 table (also 51) that enters
offscreen from the left, displays then exists right after it is clicked. All
of them enter without problem. However, each table either exits or brings in
another table, depending on what part of the table I click. As long as I
click the very left edge of the table, it exits the way it's supposed to. If
I click inside the table, it either advances to the next slide or brings in a
table linked to another state. I've made sure that the stacking order has
placed all action buttons underneath the tables. The tables themselves are
stacked in alphabetical order (one on top of another) on the pasteboard to
the left of the slide. Each travels on a straight motion path. I'm using
PowerPoint 2003 for Windows. Anyone seen this before?

 

[Tim Hards]

Hello! After many months lurking since my last post here, Echo's kind
mention has brought me out (I've never been called a guru before!)

Although the effect is the same, I'm not sure if this animation
problem is the same as the one experienced with the "Box" animation.
With the "Box" animation, the hole seems to occur because the shape
disappears. But in this case, the tables just move off the screen.

I tried to recreate the table animation problem. However, I think I
set it up differently - I used animation triggers instead of action
buttons. It worked for me doing this, so you might want to try it:

1. Add a motion path animation to the table so that it will move off
the slide.

2. In the Custom Animation pane, right-click the animation effect for
the table.

3. Choose Timing...

4. Click Triggers

5. Start effect on click of: the table shape that you want to be moved

Hope this helps,

--
Tim Hards
http://timhards.com/

Chief Software Architect
Perspector - 3D Business Graphics for PowerPoint
http://perspector.com/

 

[freeman]

Hi Tim. Actually, the sequence you describe is exactly what I've done. The
freeform shapes (states) are simply the buttons that trigger the "entry"
animation of the tables. Since this was a "hot" project (they all are, aren't
they?), I made a duplicate of the slide and deleted all but the table that
was relevant to the presentation being made tomorrow. With just the one
slide, the animation works fine. Click anywhere on the table, and it exits as
expected. I wonder if the problem has anything to do with the way the tables
are stacked on top of each other off-slide on the pastboard? Thanks.

 

[Echo S]

Hello! After many months lurking since my last post here, Echo's kind
mention has brought me out (I've never been called a guru before!)

Hey! It's good to see you, Tim!

Echo

 

[Tim Hards]

To clarify, is the following correct?

Each state is used as the animation trigger to bring in each table.

Each table (not the state) is used as the animation trigger to move
the table out.

You are using motion path animations.

If you're willing to send me the presentation, I'd be happy to have a
look if you want.

Hi Tim. Actually, the sequence you describe is exactly what I've done. The
freeform shapes (states) are simply the buttons that trigger the "entry"
animation of the tables. Since this was a "hot" project (they all are, aren't
they?), I made a duplicate of the slide and deleted all but the table that
was relevant to the presentation being made tomorrow. With just the one
slide, the animation works fine. Click anywhere on the table, and it exits as
expected. I wonder if the problem has anything to do with the way the tables
are stacked on top of each other off-slide on the pastboard? Thanks.

Tim Hards
http://timhards.com/

Chief Software Architect
Perspector - 3D Business Graphics for PowerPoint
http://perspector.com/

 

[freeman]

Yes, that's all correct. I am emailing the slide to you. Enjoy and thanks for
taking the time to look it over.

 

[Tim Hards]

Yes, that's all correct. I am emailing the slide to you. Enjoy and thanks for
taking the time to look it over.

Thanks. I examined the presentation but I couldn't identify what was
at fault, but there is a workaround.

Here's what I found:

It wasn't because tables were used - I modified all of the tables to
shapes by ungrouping them, but the problem persisted.

I don't think it was because of the type of exit animation ("Light
Speed") because the problem exists before the first table actually
exits.

My best guess is that perhaps PPT can't handle a large number of
triggered animations or animation sequences when tables are used.

Fortunately there is a reasonable workaround for this particular
presentation. Instead of clicking on a table to dismiss it, the state
shape can be re-used to dismiss the table. I.e. trigger each exit
animation on a click of the state shape, instead of on a click of the
table. I've sent you a modified slide.


--
Tim Hards
http://timhards.com/

Chief Software Architect
Perspector - 3D Business Graphics for PowerPoint
http://perspector.com/

 

[Echo S]

Really glad you took the time to check that out, Tim. Thanks! (And I swear
I'll work on the jeopardy thing eventually!)

 

[freeman]

Thanks Tim! I really appreciate the time and effort. I'm sure there's someone
out there struggling with the same issue who's going to benefit from your
work. I think what I'll do is modify the USA map image in a way that allows
each table to display without obscuring the base map so the presenter doesn't
have to "guess" where to click to trigger the exit. Frustrating the presenter
is never a good thing, if you know what I mean. Again, thanks and have a
great weekend!