The availability and popularity of various mods indicates that some aspects of the game's interface and mechanics may need further polish. In the meantime, how can we minimise the impact of rough edges in vanilla?
In the following, 'T' and 'F' represent the default Drone Interface and Action button shortcuts, respectively.
Repetitive NPC dialogue after familiar with the game
I'm communicating
If Skunk is in space, 'T' or 'F' skips audio & video. <It may skip the whole sequence in v4- needs checking - Snafu>
I'm hiring NPCs
If in space <check whether Skunk only or docked to a capship - Snafu>, 'T' skips audio but drops us out the Sidebar. Can be quicker if using number shortcuts for hiring screen (Return-6), particularly if hiring Teladi due to their long audio
I'm asking NPCs to work on my ship or station
If doing so while docked, 'Escape' skips the animation sequence and the audio. <'Locked controls' issue ; expand on this; may be fixed in v4 release. Specify where docked if necessary - Snafu>
I'm assigning a new commander to one or more of my ships
If you're in the same zone as the ships in question, you may like to instigate reassignments via the map or left-clicking on ships. Especially if not in the same zone, the Property Menu works fine too. While the Skunk is in space, pressing 'T' or 'F' will cancel the dialogue triggered by making an assignment. Then you can quickly select your next ship for assignment or move on to your next objective.
I'm looking for, or undertaking Smalltalk
'Borderless Windowed mode' comes in handy as Alt+Tab to (eg) a website cuts the audio but lets you see how things progress, if you keep the website window clear of the subtitles. Similarly, while hunting for Smalltalk, you can do the same thing to pass the time while waiting for someone to start speaking.