Desktop Excel JS Add-in should provide a better file download user experience

Desktop Excel JS Add-in should provide a better file download user experience
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 Apr 14 2021
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The task pane for a Desktop Excel Javascript add-in is used to display the download status bar which can lead to a poor user experience.

 

Expected Behavior

When downloading a file using a Javascript add-in I would expect a message box or a save as dialog to appear in the center of the application window so the download status is clear to the user. Task panes are not meant to be the center of attention and users can easily miss the fact that their file was downloaded successfully. At the very least the current download status bar should be styled so the filename is not hidden.

 

Current Behavior

Below is an example of the download status bar in the Analytic Solver task pane after a file is downloaded from a server. The blank bar at the bottom of the task pane does not display the downloaded filename.

Download-status-bar-in-task-pane.png

If the task pane is sized wider the downloaded filename is displayed.

Wider-download-status-bar-in-task-pane.png

 

Environment

  • Platform [PC desktop, Mac, iOS, Office Online]: PC Desktop
  • Host [Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.]: Excel
  • Office version number: Version 2013 (Build 13901.20400 Click-to-Run)
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro Version: 20H2 OS Build: 19042.867 Experience: Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.551.0