Editing and Manipulation

Editing and Manipulation considers the behaviors that result in persistent changes to user’s stored information. Behaviors in this layer can often be recognized by the following traits: they result in persistent, stored changes; they require an implicit or explicit save operation; and they typically require validation of the input data.

Selection

Radio buttons - Use radio buttons for selection of 1 out of a few items.
Check boxes - Use one or more check box for clear options or to select items out of a small number of options.
Drop-down - Use a drop-down list for selection of 1 out of a small number of items.
Combo box - Use a combo box to select 1 out of a small number of items where users should be able to add items.
List view - Use a list view to select 1 singular item out of a potentially big list.
Dual list pattern - Apply the dual list pattern for several selections out of a large number of (multiple) items.

Unconstrained input

Line edit - Use a line edit to enter one line of text.
Text edit - Use a text edit to enter multiple lines of texts.
Table view - Use a table view to arrange data in rows and columns with inline editing feature.

Constrained input

Spin box - Use a spin box for numerical input within a range and with fix steps.
Slider - Use a slider for arbitrary changes within a defined range.
Slider and spin box pattern - Apply the slider and spin box pattern for numeric input with both large changes and precise control.
Date and time pickers - Use date and time pickers for formatted input of date, time of day, or periods etc.