User:Andrew/LayoutPatterns/CommandPatterns

Purpose

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.

Guidelines

Patterns for a simple command structure

Use Menu Button command pattern when there are few globally applicable commands.
Use Context Menu or Context Panel command patterns for commands specific to selected content.
The menu button pattern can be combined with either of the context menu or context panel patterns.
Commands are also exposed by direct manipulation of content (drag & drop, buttons, search fields, etc).
For plasmoids, all commands must be exposed by direct manipulation of content - no menu button, context menu, or context panel.

Examples

Image browser, Document viewer, Maps, Games, Contacts, Chat client, Video conference, Settings, Address book, Chat client, Music player, Video player, Terminal, Software installer, Calculator, Plasmoids (panel applets and desktop widgets)

Patterns for a complex command structure

Use Toolbar + Menu Button command pattern when the number frequently used commands are about 8 or less, and the remaining commands are not essential to performing the primary task of the application. The toolbar pattern exposes the frequently used commands. The menu button pattern exposes a fuller representation the command structure.
Commands are also exposed by the direct manipulation of content, context menus or context panel.

Examples

Web browser, File manager, Text editor, Email, Calendar, Image editor, Music player, Archiver

Patterns for a very complex command structure

Use Menubar when the command structure is complex enough to compel exposing greater than 3 root commands.
Commands are also exposed by direct manipulation of content, toolbars, context menus or a context panel.

Examples

IDE, Text Editor(high-feature), Document editor(high-feature), Spreadsheet editor, Image editor(high-feature), Audio/video editor