On Mar 12, 2008, at 9:04 AM, Fine, David wrote: > Can anyone point me to some good examples where this pattern is > implemented? I'm trying to get out of listing the four actions icons > (add, edit, delete and cancel) next to each row.
I work with lists of editable items a lot. There are a number of patterns you could follow, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. 1. Buttons on every row As you have already mentioned, one option is to include all of the relevant actions as icons/buttons on every row. The available actions may differ based on object type or status. The benefit of doing this is two-fold: the UI presents the available actions to the user in direct relation to the object they will act upon, and it provides one- click access to those actions. The problem is visual clutter. The sheer number of icons on the screen, and the repetitiveness of them, does not result in the most elegant UI. 2. Buttons on mouseover This is set up the same as option 1. However, you only show the buttons when the cursor moves over a row, so only one row shows buttons at a time. Benefits: Removes the clutter, and highlighting the row makes it apparent that you are acting on the correct item. It is still single-click access. Drawback: It is not immediately apparent that the actions are available. Once the user knows that they are there, it shouldn't be a problem. 3. Row selection In this pattern, the user selects a row (or multiple rows) and then presses a button found on a toolbar above the list. Buttons should enable and disable based on the selection. Benefits: removes screen clutter, allows for actions on multiple items. Drawbacks: two-click interaction, actions and items are not directly connected. 4. Checkboxes This is similar to option 3, but easier to implement. Checkboxes are placed in every row. Actions are provided elsewhere on the screen. The user clicks checkboxes for items they want to act upon. Benefits: removes screen clutter, allows for actions on multiple items. Drawbacks: two-click interaction, actions and items are not directly connected, doesn't completely remove screen clutter. Note: this can be used in combination with options 1 and 2. > PS Does anyone have any good suggestions or software for converting > .ico to gifs? Graphic Converter http://www.lemkesoft.com/xd/public/content/index._cGlkPTE5Mw_.html Jack L. Moffett Interaction Designer inmedius 412.459.0310 x219 http://www.inmedius.com If there's anything more annoying than a machine that won't do what you want, it's a machine that won't do what you want and has been programmed to behave as though it likes you. - Don Norman ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
