User:Andrew/HIG/ViewAndNavigation

From KDE UserBase Wiki

Viewing and Navigation

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

Access functions

  • 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 - Provide a context menu for controls with implicit functions.
  • Accelerators and shortcuts - Support keyboard access by accelerators and shortcuts.
  • Dialogs - Follow the guidelines for dialogs for secondary windows.
  • Command Link Use a command link to navigate between pages.
  • Try to omit the status bar from your application.

Grouping

  • Arrange associated controls by using a labeled group box or an unlabeled frame.
  • Allow users to resize aligned groups by placing a splitter between the groups.
  • Use tabs to show related information on separate pages.

Complex views

  • Use a list view to show some items out of one category.
  • Use a tree view to show items with a single, natural, hierarchical categorization.
  • If you really need to create your own widget follow the guidelines for custom controls.
  • Double check the guidelines about plotting diagram/charts.

Patterns

  • Navigation Patterns - Select patterns appropriate for the application content
  • Content Patterns - A collection of consistent ways to present 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.