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 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.

Patterns

Navigation Patterns - Select patterns appropriate for the application content
Content Patterns - A collection of consistent ways to present content
- Images - Guidelines and patterns for displaying images
- Icons and text - Patterns for consistently showing icons with text
- Viewing vs Editing - Patterns and guidelines for laying out content that is primarily viewed.
- Search and Filter- Patterns for exposing search and filter functions
- Wizard - Patterns for guiding the user through a series of step to accomplish a task
- Tooltips - Patterns for consistent presentation of information in tooltips.