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 its presentation.

Access functions

• Try to omit the status bar from your application.
• Provide a context menu for controls with implicit functions.
• Provide a toolbar for frequently used functions.
• Use a push button to initiate an action when the user clicks it.
• Use a [Projects/Usability/HIG/Toggle_Buttons toogle button] to indicate a state, preferably in toolbars only.
• Use a command link to navigate between pages.
• Support keyboard access by accelerators and shortcuts.
• Follow the guidelines for dialogs for secondary windows.

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.