User:Andrew/LayoutPatterns/CommandPatterns

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Purpose

Command patterns are determined by the command structure chosen for the application (simple, complex or very complex). Commands are defined as any function performed by the application based on user input.

Guidelines

Patterns for a simple command structure

• Use Menu Button when there are few globally applicable commands.
• Use Context Menu or Context Panel for commands specific to selected content.
• Commands are also exposed by direct manipulation of content. If the command structure is sufficiently simple, like for plasmoids, all commands may be exposed by direct manipulation of content.

Examples

Audio/Music player, Image browser, Document viewer, Maps, Games, Contacts, Chat client, Video conference, Settings, Address book, Chat client, Terminal, Software installer, Calculator

Patterns for a complex command structure

• Use Toolbar + Menu Button when it is not necessary to expose the root commands. Toolbar exposes frequently used commands.
• Commands are also exposed by direct manipulation of content, context menus or a context panel.

Examples

Web browser, File manager, Text editor, Email, Calendar, Image editor, Archiver

Patterns for a very complex command structure

• Use Menubar when the command structure is complex enough to compel exposing greater than 3 root commands.
• Commands are also exposed by direct manipulation of content, toolbars, context menus or a context panel.

Examples

IDE, Text Editor(high-feature), Document editor(high-feature), Spreadsheet editor, Image editor(high-feature), Audio/video editor