User:Andrew/HIG/ViewAndNavigation

Viewing and Navigation

Viewing and Navigation encompasses the wide variety of behaviors and operations that allow users to navigate the interface and affect the presentation of application content.

Viewing content

• Images - Guidelines and patterns for displaying images
• Icons and text - Patterns for consistently showing icons with text
• Viewing vs Editing - Patterns and guidelines for laying out content that is primarily viewed.
• Search and Filter- Patterns for exposing search and filter functions
• Wizard - Patterns for guiding the user through a series of step to accomplish a task
• Tooltips - Patterns for consistent presentation of information in tooltips.
• List view - Use a list view to show some items out of one category.
• Tree view Use a tree view to show items with a single, natural, hierarchical categorization.
• Grouping
  • Groupbox - Arrange associated controls by using a labeled group box or an unlabeled frame.
  • Splitter - Allow users to resize aligned groups by placing a splitter between the groups.
  • Tabs - Use tabs to show related information on separate pages.
• Custom controls - Always attempt to use the available Qt/KDE controls whenever possible. However follow these guidelines if you really need to create your own widget .

Navigation

• Navigation Patterns - Select navigation patterns appropriate for the application content.

Actions

• Command Patterns - Select command patterns appropriate for the application command structure.
• Push Button - Use a push button to initiate an action when the user clicks it.
• Toggle button - Use a toggle button to indicate a state, preferably in toolbars only.
• Toolbar - Provide a toolbar for frequently used functions.
• Context menu - Use a context menu to provide a list of functions or options available to users for the selected item.
• Menu Bar - Use a menu bar only for applications with a very complex command structure.
• Accelerators and shortcuts - Support keyboard access by accelerators and shortcuts.
• Dialogs - Use dialogs carefully and sparingly to clearly communicate the actions to be performed and to avoid unnecessary interruption.
• Command Link - Use a command link to navigate between pages.
• Status Bar - Try to omit the status bar from your application.