User:Andrew/LayoutPatterns

Layout Patterns

The layout for your application may be constructed by selecting an appropriate Command Pattern and Navigation Pattern.

• 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. See the tables below to determine the best command pattern for your application
• Navigation Patterns are determined by the information structure of the application content (flat, 2-deep, 3-deep, n-deep). See the tables below to determine the best navigation pattern for your application.

Plasmoid Layout

Plasmoids like panel popups and desktop widgets should meet the following criteria:

• Plasmoids use only a simple command structure. All commands must be exposed by direct manipulation of the content - no menubars, context menus or context panels.
• The content of plasmoids must have a flat or 2-deep information structure. Choose the navigation pattern appropriate for the information structure.
• If the above two criteria cannot be satisfied, consider creating an application instead of a plasmoid.

Notes

• When starting design on a new application, it may not be clear what the command structure should be. Start with a simple command structure. As the design develops, consider a more complex command pattern only if it’s necessary.
• The n-deep navigation patterns may also be used for the 2-deep and 3-deep patterns.