User:Andrew/HIG/OrganizationalModel

Organizational Model

The organizational model describes how the system’s content and functionality are ordered and categorized. It made up of the command structure and content structure of the application

Command Structure

A command is any function performed by the application based on user input. Commands that perform similar functions may be grouped together. The collection of commands and command groups make up the command structure of the application. The command structure of KDE applications fall into three categories:

• Simple - When there are relatively few globally applicable commands (~ less than 10) and command groups (~ less than 4). In this case use layout patterns appropriate for a simple command structure.
• Complex - When there are several globally applicable commands and command groups and relatively few frequently used commands (~ less than 8). In this case use layout patterns appropriate for a complex command structure.
• Very complex - When there are many globally applicable commands and command groups and many frequently used commands. In this case use layout patterns appropriate for a very complex command structure.

When designing an application, it may be unclear what the command structure should be.

• Start by assuming a simple command structure and select an associated command pattern.
• As the design evolves, if the selected pattern becomes inadequate for completing the primary tasks of the application, consider a pattern for a more complex command structure.