6 Tips for a Great Flex UX: Part 4
April 22, 2009
Since our new book focuses on rich interactions, I want to spend some time on Adobe Flex/AIR.
These tips are based on the best Flex resources I have found, and how you can use them to craft a great user experience. This is part 4 of 6:
- Play With It: 10 Explorers & Galleries
- Learn From the Best: 10 Great Flex Apps
- Learn From the Rest: 10 Great RIAs
- Stock Your Toolbox: 40+ Custom Flex Controls
- Review Best Practices for Designing a RIA
- Avoid Common Mistakes: 10 Anti-Patterns
Stock your Toolbox: 40+ Custom Flex Controls
Flex 3 includes a wide range of controls. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have all of the Essential Controls I use for RIA design. But fortunately, talented and industrious Flex developers have created numerous custom controls for Flex.
I pulled together a visual repository of custom Flex controls. Most of these controls were created to showcase certain functionality- not usability best practices. So some may need further refinement to comply with the usability principles discussed in the previous posts. Click on the picture for the demo.
01. Accordions
Complex Headers
Horizontal Accordion
Apple Style
More under ‘Collapsible Panels’
02. Auto Complete
03. Bar Code Generator
04. Build a List
05. Calendar/Scheduler
ILog Elixir
Ely Greenfield’s early Scheduler
Adobe’s Scheduler on flexlib see flexlib.scheduling package
06. Captcha
07. Charts & Graphs
3D charts by iLog Elixir
Chart Drill Down with Animation
Dashed Line Series
Chart Offest
Advanced Legend
Scroll and Zoom
08. Collapsible Panels
Window Shade- panels roll up and down
Arc90’s Collapsible Panel
Early Stacked Panels
09. Cover Flow
Doug McCune’s updated Cover Flow
10. Data Visualization
Kap IT Lab
ILog Elixir
BirdEye
11. Docking
12. Drop Down Menu with Scrolling
13. Find and Highlight Text
In flexlib as Highlighter
14. Fisheye Menu (like Mac Dock)
15. Flip Card
16. Floating
17. Gantt Chart
ILOG Elixir Gantt
Doug McCune’s Early Gantt Chart
18. Inline Edit (Fields)
Early example by Ely Greenfield
Modal editing variation by Ryan Swanson
* The hover invitation to edit on a field by field basis (like Flickr) works best for infrequent edits
19. Icon Loader
On flexlib under Icon Loader
20. List/Tree Converter
On flexlib under Convertible Tree List
21. Mask (text input and validation)
22. Multiple Document Interface (MDI)
On flexlib under flexlib.mdi
23. Magnify
24. Map Callouts
23. Pan and Zoom
24. Page Turn
Peek Panel by Bill White (nice blog)
Ely Greenfield’s early FlexBook
Didier Braun’s PageFlip
25. Pivot Table
Satish’s Pivot Table
Flex Monster product
26. Resize
Resizeable and moveable window
Resize Objects with ResizeManagerFX
27. Scrolling-Internal
In flexlib as Drag Scrolling Canvas
28. Side Tabs/Vertical Tabs
Degrafa ToggleButtonBar vertical tabs
Vertical Tab Navigator
29. Sliders
30. Sliding Panel
Early example
Slide out menu with effects instead of states
31. Sparklines
More examples:
Fusion Charts
Sherlock Informatics
Birdeye
19nates
32. Spell Check
There is also a Spell Check component on Flex Exchange
33. Tabs (configurable)
34. Text Prompt/ Watermark Fields
At flexlib under prompting TextInput
35. Tree Table
Early Tree Grid
36. Time Picker
Alternate one on Flex Exchange as Time Chooser
37. Toolbars
38. Trees
Open branches by clicking on the row
Adding leaf notes
Showing XML
Rearranging nodes with drag and drop
Drag from a Grid to a Tree
39. Upload Files
40. Vertical Browse
Comment with your custom Flex controls
Please comment with a link to your favorite custom Flex controls.
6 Tips for a Great Flex UX: Part 3
April 22, 2009
Since our new book focuses on rich interactions, I want to spend some time on Adobe Flex/AIR.
These tips are based on the best Flex resources I have found, and how you can use them to craft a great user experience. This is part 3 of 6:
- Play With It: 10 Explorers & Galleries
- Learn From the Best: 10 Great Flex Apps
- Learn From the Rest: 10 Great RIAs
- Stock Your Toolbox: The Essential Controls
- Review Best Practices for Designing a RIA
- Avoid Common Mistakes: 10 Anti-Patterns
Learn from the Rest: 10 Great RIAs
Take a look at some of the best RIAs on the web. How did I decide these are the best? I reviewed numerous applications, basing the evaluations on Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Principles for User Interface Design:
Feedback — Metaphor — Navigation — Consistency — Prevention — Recognition — Efficiency — Design — Recovery — Help
I realize these guidelines are a bit old (from 1990!)- but all applications should meet these guidelines at a minimum. The applications listed below also embody our 6 Principles for Rich Interaction:
Make it Direct — Keep it Lightweight — Stay on the Page — Provide an Invitation — Use Transitions — React Immediately
01. CrazyEgg
Fantastic application which adheres to every one of the principles. At first, I thought the confetti feature was going to ruin the evaluation, but it is a perfect balance of innovation and usability. Look at how they use common checkboxes for selection, and wiggle the confetti when a source is added- very rich, very nice.
Interactive demo is available
02. Mint
Mint’s user experience only gets better and better. You may want more features in the product (money market support…), but the features they offer are perfectly executed. Primarily developed with HTML, CSS, JS and Ajax, they chose to incorporate Flex in the Trends section.
The new Ways to Save section is completely dynamic, updating as you adjust amounts, scores and preferences.
Free registration is available
03. Wufoo
Wufoo is an extremely well designed tool that has more than meets the eyes. Play with the templates and report creator for inspiration in keeping it simple, and look at they way they use Blank Slate and Help Tips to keep you moving towards your goal. It is almost even fun!
A nice product tour and free plan is available
04. 280 Slides
One word- slick. If only all of my projects could be this perfect. Yes, it seems like Keynote (or PowerPoint) on the web, but take a closer look at some of the features. Instead of the maddening Inspector and Format menu, the common formatting functions are in the toolbar. Everything is there when I need it, they even incorporated Adobe Kuler in the color palette!
Free trial available
05. Action Method
Another very well implemented product. It is easy to get started with the Blank Slate screens providing tips and directions, and even easier to get comfortable using the product because it uses a standard screen patterns and common controls.
Every detail has been accounted for. Notice the visual design that makes it clear that the tasks can be dragged around and reordered.
Trial version available
06. Fidelity Labs
In 2006 Fidelity Labs started cranking out some very nice RIAs, one of them being Fidelity MyPlan. The Mortgage Search and Homes Sold were also very nice, but have been retired. Unfortunately, their newest 3D Portfolio Analyzer, is not up to par with their earlier beta products.
The direct interactions and what-if scenarios in MyPlan seem to have inspired Discovers Paydown Planner and other direct manipulation financial planning tools.
Fidelity MyPlan is publicly available
07. Pandora
Pandora has been around since 2005 and has finally gained popularity. It has a very simple, intuitive interface, which makes it easy to get started. The menu offers direct interaction for rating the song ‘up’ or ‘down’, while also providing advanced options such as “don’t play this song again for a month”. And the help tips, shown at just the right time in the workflow, provide a glimpse into advanced features.
Pandora is publicly available
08. Wave Maker
Wavemaker is a great example of how a complicated product with many features can be clarified with good interface design. They use a logical page flow from left to right- matching the developer workflow of adding a control to the canvas (LEFT) , physically manipulating it (CENTER), then entering tweaking the details in the properties and style panel (RIGHT).
A Cloud Edition is available
09. SugarSync
Another great product that relies upon standard screen patterns and common controls to create an intuitive efficient experience. Awarded Top 10 User Interfaces of 2008 by Jakob Nielsen. Report available for purchase.
A 45 day trial is available
10. clickshirt
clickshirt keeps it simple and fun with integrated demos and lively interactions. Event the checkout is rich, hover to see more details about the t-shirt type, click to specify the size and quantity. No gratuitous paging in this application.
clickshirt is publicly available
More Good RIAs
These products have good examples of rich usable components, although they may not have met the 10 basic principles for usability throughout the whole application.
37signals products like Highrise
Keep an Eye on These
iWork.com Publishing Tool
Comment with your favorite RIA
I realize I have only skimmed the surface here, please comment with a link to the best RIA you use.
Thanks to Rob Jones and Greg Leppert for helping me pull together this list.
Cursor Stencil on Graffletopia
April 4, 2009
I realized after 3 years of using OmniGraffle, I should break down and make a cursor stencil to make my job a little easier. These are all on a transparent background, so you can put them in your wire frames to show cursor state for specific rich interactions.
6 Tips for a Great Flex UX: Part 2
February 18, 2009
Since our book focuses on rich interactions, I want to spend some time on Adobe Flex/AIR.
These tips are based on the best Flex resources I have found, and how you can use them to craft a great user experience. This is part 2 of 6:
- Play With It: 10 Explorers & Galleries
- Learn From the Best: 10 Great Flex Apps
- Learn From the Rest: 10 Great RIAs
- Stock Your Toolbox: The Essential Controls
- Review Best Practices for Designing a RIA
- Avoid Common Mistakes: 10 Anti-Patterns
Learn from the Best: 10 Great Flex Apps
Take a look at some of the best Flex applications on the market. How did I decide these are the best? I reviewed numerous applications, basing the evaluations on Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Principles for User Interface Design:
Feedback — Metaphor — Navigation — Consistency — Prevention — Recognition — Efficiency — Design — Recovery — Help
I realize these guidelines are a bit old (from 1990!)- but all applications should meet these guidelines at a minimum. The applications listed below also embody our 6 Principles for Rich Interaction:
Make it Direct — Keep it Lightweight — Stay on the Page — Provide an Invitation — Use Transitions — React Immediately
01. Picnik
Free version available
02. Balsamiq
Trial version available
03. Sprout Builder
Demo version available.
04. Campaign Monitor by eyeblaster
Commercial application- no demo available. Awarded Top 10 User Interfaces of 2008 by Jakob Nielsen. Report available for purchase.
05. ConceptShare
Free account available.
06. Weight Watchers eTools
Commercial application- no demo available.
07. Small Worlds
Free account available
08. Buzzword
Free account available
09. Whitestone Cheese
Publicly available at www.whitestonecheese.co.nz
10. Kuler
Publicly available at kuler.adobe.com
11. SumoPaint
Free account available
Close Contenders
These apps were really close, but missed a couple of key principles, or are still maturing.
Klok
Free personal download available
Nice time tracking product in AIR- nailed the metaphor, but haven’t Made it Direct enough (yet). I instinctively want to click in my calendar to start logging my time against a certain project. Instead I have to navigate to Project View, then into Time Entries. And spinners for entering start and stop times are inefficient.
I must say I love the Weekly Time Sheet though, and the fact I can drag it to my desktop! I think this product will mature very nicely.
Tour Tracker
Up for a limited time at Amgen Tour of California.
Looks amazing. The metaphor is perfect- big map showing the course and stages- but lost points on some basic principles. Specifically Feedback- I click and click to “watch a rider” on the home page, nothing happens, so I keep clicking. And Design- a black background might demo well, but white and blue tex, all caps, sure is hard on the eyes.
Google Finance Dashboard
Publicly available at BrightPoint Consulting
This is a really nice dashboard showing what can be done with Flex & Degrafa. I can’t wait to see how they finish it out. Also check out Tom Gonzale’s blog for more amazing data visualizations with Flex and Degrafa.
htmlText Editor 2008
Publicly available at www.theflexguy.com
This is a neat little one screen application that absolutely Stays in the Page and Makes it Direct. However, the Filter Tags feature is non-standard in more than one way: “If you remove tags and see that they really were needed, you can just uncheck the box and press Filter tags again.” I know the space is limited but Undo and Redo buttons would make more sense.
Agile Agenda
Free trial download available
Project management tool in AIR. Missed the Keep it Direct, and Stay in the Page principles. Too many dialogs where simple inline editing would have sufficed. Need better icons, or text with the icons. Usability aside, the product’s functionality seems to be quite robust and well worth the price.
Comment with your favorite Flex applications
I realize I have only skimmed the surface here, please comment with a link to the best Flex UIs you know of.
6 Tips for a Great Flex UX- Part 1
February 16, 2009
Since our new book focuses on rich interactions, I wanted to spend some time on Adobe Flex/AIR.
After designing several large enterprise applications for diverse clients and industries, I’ve noticed some barriers to crafting a great experience in Flex. I think these barriers arise from the relative newness of the technology (and RIAs in general), the initial focus on development over design, and the confidence that Flex can provide a great UX out of the box. But it takes a bit more to make a Flex app really shine. Fortunately, the Flex community is chock full of talented and motivated developers who contribute amazing resources.
These tips are based on the best Flex resources I have found, and how you can use them to craft a great Flex UX. This is part 1 of 6:
- Play With It: 10 Flex Explorers
- Learn From the Best: 10 Great Flex Apps
- Learn From the Rest: 10 Great RIAs
- Stock Your Toolbox: The Essential Controls
- Review Best Practices for Designing a RIA
- Avoid Common Mistakes: 10 Anti-Patterns
Play With It: 10 Flex Explorers
I can’t think of a better way to get your feet wet than to play with these explorers.
01. Tour de Flex
02. Component Explorer
03. Style Explorer
04. Regular Expression Explorer
By Ryan Swanson
05. Charts Explorer
06. Efflex Effects Explorer
07. Filter Explorer
08. Primitive Objects Explorer
09. Data Visualization Explorer
10. Button Skin Explorer
Comment with your favorite Flex explorer
I realize I have only skimmed the surface here, please comment with a link to your favorite explorer or gallery for Flex 3.
15 Common Component Patterns
February 9, 2009
This is the third article in a three part series on patterns and principles for RIA design.
- Standard Screen Patterns: 12 patterns w/100 examples
- Essential Controls: 30 controls for RIA design and development
- Common Component Patterns: 15 patterns and examples
Odds are good if you are designing a enterprise software or a productivity web application, you’ll need a number of these components. Don’t spend time and effort on (re)designing these ancillary features- try these solutions instead.
01. Add Another
Wufoo (button)
Gmail (link)
Requirement: Need to offer multiple input fields for the same thing, but unsure how many the user may need
Example: Add attachments, enter phone numbers, upload photos…
Description: The “add another” link or button should be in proximity to the field, and the remove option is shown an attachment is added, and only one “add another” link is shown at a time. No need to show the remove button until at least one entry is shown.
02. Add/Manage Tags
Highrise (inline edit)
Mint (dialog)
Requirement: Need a way to add non-structured meta data to an object that can later be searched
Example: While adding recruits to a CRM system, the recruiter wants to note applicants’ interests and hobbies
Description: Place the tags in close proximity to the object being taggged. Allow for direct adding of additional tags and editing. You can take the 37signals approach and let users type in any tags they want- running the risk of duplicate, misspelled or overlapping concept tags. Or use Mint’s approach and let users select from the existing list of tags, and/or add new ones.
03. Add/Edit or Select from Existing
Highrise
Requirement: Need to pick from an existing option, add a new option, or edit an existing option
Example: Recording receipts for household expenses, and there is not a category for pet/vet bills. Add a new category for “pets”, which will now show up as an option in the list
Description: Place the option for “add new…” at the bottom of the options. Open a new dialog or light weight layer to add the new option. Place edit to the right of the list box, edit can be a new screen or dialog for editing all the options.
04. Advanced Filter
Mission 360 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Requirement: Need to refine the data set based on specified criteria
Example: In a bug tracking system, a developer needs to see all bugs assigned to him, in the last 24 hours, related to the production system, containing the term “feedback”
Description: Provide a dynamic filter field and offer an advanced filter option, where the user can specify criteria for refining the data set. Allow the criteria to be saved (usually as a ‘view’), that can be accessed again. Note* Luke W. has a great article describing multiple techniques for refining data tables.
05. Build a List (aka Accumulator)
LinkedIn
Requirement:Need to create a list from an existing set of options
Example: Invite some of your friends from your existing list of webmail contacts, or build a list of hot prospects for a sales campaign
Description: When a user needs to select items from separate sets of search results or other large, unwieldy data sets- let them manipulate the left (search, sort, navigate or filter), and add to the right.
06. Build an Expression (aka Predicate Editor)
Wufoo
Mac OS predicate editor inspired web versions of this component
Requirement: Need to define a set of conditions that build on each other.
Example: Complex search or building a report filter, or building a mathematical function
Description: Design it so the expression can be read, left to right, top to bottom. Each line can be edited, removed, or deleted, and possibly rearranged in order.
07. Contextual Toolbar
Picnik
Requirement: Need to perform an action that has multiple input parameters
Example: Analyst needs to apply a discount to all the rows in a table, clicks the ‘discount’ tool. The discount options: discount percent [10%] or flat rate discount [$0.00], are then provided.
Description: Group the actions in a toolbar, and as one is selected, disclose the input parameters. Offer a live preview if applicable.
08. Customizable Data Grid
Requirement: Need robust data grid from viewing, editing and manipulating data
Example: A CRM system with contacts displayed in a table/data grid
Description: Offer simple and advanced filtering, ability to directly resize columns, ability to directly rearrange columns, hide/show columns, sorting. If also providing editing, provide a toolbar that includes undo and redo actions.
09. Drag & Drop Reorder
Basecamp
Cogmap
Requirement: Need to reorder a text list, visual map, or tree because the order is indicative of priority or hierarchical relationship
Example: To-do list, org chart, tree
Description: Make sure to follow the interaction principles for all the states of drag and drop management, most importantly providing a visual cue the list can be rearranged, like the drag handles in the examples. Refer to Bill’s Interesting Moments Grid for implementing the interaction properly.
10. Full Screen
Picnik
RadEditor Demo
Requirement: Need more real estate for core functionality
Example:Editing a photo, designing a work flow, navigating a map
Description: Place the toggle in the top left corner (make sure it remains in the same spot and visible even in the full screen mode). The branding and top level navigation can be hidden in this mode. Don’t add any more elements into the full screen mode- just enlarge the workspace.
11. Graph Drill Down
Wesabe
Dundas Charts
Requirement: Need to show a summary view and allow a quick and efficient drill down to view more details, instead of navigating deeper into the graph
Example: A specific datapoint has multiple sets of information available. The main graph could show sales volume by sales person over time, and the hover detail breaks it down by new versus existing clients
Description: Provide a visual indicator (like a dot) that hover details are available. Use a non-modal layer to display the next level of data.
12. Live Preview
Fidelity MyPlan
Mint Savings Finder
Requirement: Need provide live feedback on changing criteria
Example: Graphic designer altering the hue of a photo needs to see the effect as he adjust the value
Description: Provide easy to manipulate controls, and an “apply” and “cancel” options, or “revert” feature.
13. Slide Down
RetailMeNot.com (inline)
Weight Watchers (overlay)
Requirement: Need to show more details, or input details
Example: Reading an article in a list of articles, scan the first paragraph and want to read more, or read the comments.
Description: Expand inline or overlay without leaving the page or opening a new window/dialog. Use smooth transitions and a fixed height scroll window like RetailMeNot. Provide the close link in the same spot.
14. Split a Transaction
Mint
Requirement: Need to allocate a single item across multiple categroies
Example: Dividing a transaction (ex. allocating a 50% of a donation to one recipient, and 50% to another recipient, or $2.00 as a fee, and $200.00 as cash withdraw)
Description: Split button placed unobtrusively in the transaction detail pane, could also be a tool in the table toolbar, enabled when a row is selected. Opens a dialog allowing the user to re-allocate the data as needed.
15. Switch To
Basecamp
Zoho
Requirement: Need to infrequently navigate out of one module into another without returning to a control panel, dashboard or dock
Example: Working in one project, finish and need to work on another one
Description: Make the switch less visually prominent than the main navigation, but still easily accessible (top right or left, above the main menu).
30 Essential Controls
February 4, 2009
This is the second article in a three part series on patterns and principles for RIA design.
- Standard Screen Patterns: 12 patterns w/100 examples
- Essential Controls: 30 controls for RIA design and development
- Components for Commonly Requested Features: 15 patterns and examples
Every designer has a set of controls they rely on to communicate an effective UI. This is my library of essential controls.
Unfortunately, no single RIA framework offers all 30 of these. So I included a checklist of which frameworks provide each control. If you have an addition or correction, please e-mail me, and I will post an updated framework/control matrix.
The frameworks reviewed include: Flex, Laszlo, Silverlight and 12 Ajax frameworks and toolkits: ExtJS, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, SproutCore, LivePipeUI,IT Mill, Backbase.
01. Auto Suggest
Google’s Auto-Complete
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, IT Mill, Backbase, Silverlight.
02. Carousel (variation as Coverflow)
Carousel Prototype carousel widget
Supported by: YUI, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, ITMill, Backbase, iCarousel
Coverflow MediaEvent Service’s Slideflow
Supported by: Flex, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, RadControls for Silverlight
03. Charts & Graphs
Charts Advanced charting features like hover details, drill down, rolling windows, toggle views…
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery (SWF/Chart), MooTools, MochaUI, Backbase, SilverLight, AnyChart, Dundas, JPowered, JFreeChart, OpenFlashCharts, Flot, Plotr, PlotKit, WebFX, AjaxMcGraph, Measure Map.
04. Collapsible Panels (accordion, disclosure triangles, slide drawer)
Accordion Mutually exclusive collapsible panels showing status
Disclosure arrows Mint.com uses disclosure arrows for summarizing and displaying accounts
Sliding panel Fluxiom uses a sliding panel instead of a dialog to show the selected photo’s details
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs (called panels), Dojo, Google Web Toolkit (disclosure panel), Prototype/script.aculo.us (accordion), JQuery, MooTools (accordion), MochaUI (split pane), SproutCore (split pane), IT Mill, Backbase (accordion), RadControls for Silverlight (PanelBar and Sliding Panel).
05. Combobox (select multiple, alternate list box UI, editable)
Select multiple LivePipe UI’s control takes less space and is easier to scan than an ocean of checkboxes
Alternate listbox UI Best alternative for multi select in small spaces, clearly displays all selections, and provides an easy way to edit
Supported by: Alternate Listbox UI, LivePipeUI
Editable combobox Editable combobox allows for lookup and/or text entry
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools (MUI.ComboBox), IT Mill, Backbase, RadControls for Silverlight.
06. Date Picker/Calendar (select range, date/time combination)
Advanced calendar Select a range, discontinuous dates, or exclude a certain day
Date/time picker Select a date and time in a single control
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJS, Dojo, YUI, JQuery, Scal built on Prototype, MooTools, MochUI, IT Mill, Backbase, Silverlight, dhtmlxCalendar, keyboard accessible calendar, more examples on Woork
07. Dialogs (modal, light weight, lightbox)
Modal dialog Mint offers a modal for adding an account
Modeless dialog Google Maps provides a modeless dialog for getting directions
Lightbox JQuery provides a lightbox plugin, a modal dialog that blacks out the parent screen
Supported by: Flex(modal), Laszlo (modal and modeless), ExtJs (modal), Dojo (modal and lightbox), YUI( listed under Containers: Modal and Overlay), Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery (modal, modeless, lightbox) , SproutCore (has a really nice example of each under ‘panes’), MooTools, MochaUI, LivePipe UI, IT Mill, Backbase (modal and modeless window), Silverlight (modal and lightbox).
08. Docking
Dockable menu Campaign Manager by eyeblaster offers a pinned/unpinned menu for navigating between campaigns
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, LivePipe UI, Backbase, Silverlight.
09. Drag & Drop Manager
Drag and drop ExtJS photo organizer demo
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, LivePipe UI, Backbase, Silverlight.
10. Dynamic Filter
Dynamic table filtering Flex offers a filter feature that dynamically filters the results while the user types, demo
Dynamic column filtering Dynamic filtering can be implemented at the column level providing advanced filtering capabilities
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, JQuery, IT Mill, Backbase, Silverlight, Open Rico
11. Feedback/ Status
Feedback Gmail status message
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, LivePipe UI, IT Mill, Backbase, Silverlight
12. Fisheye/ Spotlight
Fisheye Apslab Fish-eye Lense
Apply this concept to a dense chart or map for a truly useful feature.
Supported by: Flex, ExtJs (spotlight), Dojo , Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, Silverlight
13. Gauges (and other visual progress or status indicators)
Gauge Thermometer gauge in RadControls for Silverlight
Gauges provide a concise visual summary in heads-up-display or other goal directed designs
Supported by: Flex (various plug-ins and Flex Charting), ExtJs (combined with GWT), Dojo, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery (SWF/Gauge), MooTools, MochaUI, Silverlight, AnyChart, Dundas
14. Help Tip/ Quick Tip
Quick Tip Picnik engages new users with some helpful advice
More than just a tooltip, these are fully formatted messages typically presented in a modeless dialog.
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI (use overlay container), Google Web Toolkit (use popup panel), Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, LivePipe UI (use window control), IT Mill, Backbase, Silverlight
15. Hot Keys
Hot keys Balsamiq Mockups has hot keys for frequent actions
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, Mochui, LivePipe UI, IT Mill, Backbase, Silverlight
16. Hover Action
Hover action Instead of cluttering the screen with redundant actions, Basecamp reveals the edit and delete actions onHover
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, YUI, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, Backbase, Silverlight, good post by Bill on hover actions and missed moments
17. Hover Detail
Hover detail Netflix hover details
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI (overlay), Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools (smart hover box), IT Mill, Silverlight
18. Inline Edit
Inline edit Instead of showing form fields in pages that are usually read (not edited), Flickr provides inline editing
Supported by: Flex (only in the grid), Laszlo (only in the grid), ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, IT Mill, Backbase (only in the grid), Silverlight (only in the grid)
19. Progress Indicator/ Loading
Progress indicator Picnik loading indicator
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, LivePipe UI, IT Mill, Backbase, Silverlight
20. Rating
Star rating Graffletopia offers one-click star ratings for shared stencils
Supported by: ExtJs extension, Dojo widget, Starbox for Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools , MochaUI
21. Record Locator/ Paginator
Record locator Like the control in PDF Viewer, the record locator lets you navigate through records in a dataset or skip to a specific record by name
Paginator Typically used for paging through tables, screens, or other result sets
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, LivePipe UI, Backbase, Silverlight
22. Slider
Slider Innography provides sliders in their quick filter for refining results displayed on a chart
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, IT Mill, Backbase, RadControls for Silverlight
23. Scoped Search
Scoped search Like iTunes, allows for the optional selection of a category before entering free form search text, example from Vimeo’s help page
Supported by: custom css and js code, example at Janko at warp speed, RadControls for Silverlight
24. Sparklines
Sparklines Great way to show the “shape” or trend of data is a small space, examples from RetailMeNot.com and Google Analytics. Created by Edward Tufte.
Supported by: Nuby on Rails, Any Chart, JQuery plugin, Flex , and two more ones for Flex at Microcharts and Birdeye, Google API, Visifire for Silverlight
25. Table/ Data Grid ( scrolling, editable, grouped)
Scrolling table Endless scrolling, no paging, just like a desktop app, example from ExtJS
Editable table Blist offers inline cell editing in their products. Best practice, highlight the selected row, and only display an editor in the selected cell. Don’t forget to accomodate keyboard navigation.
Tree table Grouping by row, displays as a tree table, example from ExtJS
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Backbase, Silverlight
26. Toolbar
Toolbar Provide actions in proximity to the object, examples from SugarSync and Flickr
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, Prototype/script.aculo.us, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, Backbase, RadControls for Silverlight
27. Vertical Browser
Vertical browser Apple’s vertical browser for exploring Dashboard widgets
Supported by: custom code of multiple list boxes
28. View Toggle (buttons, button bar)
Toggle buttons Separate buttons for switching between graph and grid views Campaign Manager by eyeblaster
Toggle button bar Single button bar for capturing binary choices
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, Dojo, YUI, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, Backbase, Silverlight
29. WYSIWYG Editor/ Rich Text Editor
Rich text editor WordPress offers a a WYSIWYG editor for blogging
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, Dojo, YUI, Google Web Toolkit, JQuery, MooTools, MochaUI, IT Mill, Backbase, Silverlight
30. Zoom
Zoom Zoom in on a certain spot, example from jQZoom
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs (spotlight), Prototype/script.aculo.us (zOOm), JQuery, MooTools (Joomla), MochaUI, Silverlight (silverZoom)
Bonus- Desktop Style Container
Desktop style app OtherInbox built with SproutCore
A desktop style container isn’t actually a control, but frequently required when developing enterprise software and productivity web applications. Many of the frameworks that offer this feature include built in windows management, split panels, and fluid layout.
Supported by: Flex, Laszlo, ExtJs, YUI, JQuery, MochaUI, Backbase, SproutCore, Silverlight
Send me any corrections and/or additions, and I will upload an updated control/framework matrix.
Thanks to Joonas Lehtinen of IT Mill, Ryan Johnson of LivePipe, and Peter Svensson who is a Dojo expert, and Darren James, co-author of Ajax in Action.
Update* Cody Lindley at jQuery provided a comprehensive list with links to code for jQuery support for all 30 controls.
12 Standard Screen Patterns
January 17, 2009
To celebrate the release of our new O’Reilly book, “Designing Web Interfaces: Principles and Patterns for Rich Interactions”, I want to share an additional set of principles and patterns I have been using for RIA design. While the book takes a much more consumer web site orientation, these concepts are central to enterprise application and web productivity application design and more broad than those discussed in the book.
This is the first article in a three part series.
- Standard Screen Patterns: 12 patterns w/100 examples
- Essential Controls: 30 controls for RIA design and development
- Components for Commonly Requested Features: 15 patterns and examples
With more companies turning to RIA frameworks for enterprise software development, these screen patterns are indispensable for product managers, UX designers, information architects, interaction designers and developers. The patterns rely heavily upon desktop design principles, subtly blended with many of the better RIA components and principles. I’ve included 100 examples to illustrate these patterns, pulled from desktop, Flex/AIR, Ajax, Laszlo, and Silverlight applications.
01. Master/Detail
Master/Detail screen pattern can be vertical or horizontal. Ideal for creating an efficient user experience by allowing the user to stay in the same screen while navigating between items. Horizontal layout is a good choice when the user needs to see more information in the master list than just a few identifiers- or when the master view is comprised of a set of items that each have additional details. Click on thumbnail for larger image OR download the PDF.
02. Column Browse
The Browse screen pattern can be vertical or horizontal. Ideal for creating an custom user experience by allowing the user to start from various entry points for navigating to the item(s) they are interested in.
03. Search/ Results
The Search screen pattern can range from very simple to quite advanced. Ideal for creating an efficient user experience by allowing the user to navigate directly to an item or set of items meeting specific criteria.
04. Filter Dataset
The Filter Dataset screen pattern can be vertical or horizontal. Ideal for creating an efficient user experience by allowing the user to refine a set of known data, or further refine search results.
05. Forms
All Form screens should be approached with a solid understanding of usability and design best practices. Refer to “Web Form Design: Filling in the Blanks” by Luke Wroblewski for reference.
06. Palette/ Canvas
The Palette/ Canvas screen pattern is seldom the right pattern to apply, but it is the only pattern for documenting or creating: linear or non-liner processes; flow diagrams; screen layouts; design/diagram with physical size or layout constraints.
07. Dashboard
A well designed Dashboard will provide: key information at a glance, real time data, easy to read graphics, clear entry points for exploration This is typically not achieved by displaying a single screen of metrics (either in a big table, or just a bunch of graphs). Providing a high degree of customization is no substitute for user research and testing. Stephen Few has a nice book on this topic Information Dashboard Design: The Effective Visual Communication of Data .
08. Spreadsheet
The Spreadsheet screen pattern is ideal for creating an efficient user experience by allowing the user to easily scan, edit and enter information (in bulk). The Spreadsheet should provide the following functionality: standard table features like sort, hide/show columns, rearrange columns, group by (if applicable), global level undo/redo, add/insert/delete row, keyboard navigation, import and export.
09. Wizard
The Wizard/Quick Start screen pattern is ideal for creating an efficient user experience by guiding the user through a complex or infrequent workflow.
10. Question & Answer
The Q&A screen pattern is ideal for creating an efficient user experience by allowing the user to enter known information and receive a solution. Q & A differs from Search in that this pattern should be used to assist users in identifying possible options or a single recommendation in an arena they are lacking expertise (health insurance, mortgages, planning, purchases).
11. Parallel Panels
The Parallel Panels screen pattern can be stacked (showing one at a time) or unstacked (showing all at once). This pattern is ideal for organizing chunks of information that are similar or have interdependent tendencies. Efficiency is gained by keeping the user in one screen. Ideal candidates for the stacked variation of this pattern are simple work-flows with: a high level, visible goal that is fed by multiple inputs, multiple non-sequential steps. This combines a number of the web site patterns outlined in “Designing Interfaces” by Jennifer Tidwell for a single pattern for chunking and displaying data.
12. Interactive Model
The Interactive Model screen pattern is characterized by many interactive elements associated with the key object (a calendar, map, graph, chart, canvas). It is ideal for creating a user experience that is closely aligned with the user’s mental model (a natural fit). Excellent candidates for this pattern are: calendars, maps, gantt charts, what-if scenarios (including calculators), WYSIWYG editors (including photo editing).
Bonus. Blank State
This is the natural state of the application, before any data has been entered or accessed. The book, “Getting Real” by 37signals”explains that a blank state screen is an excellent place to set users expectations. By giving them a preview this can lower anxiety and reduce frustration and confusion. Items to include in a blank state screen include: videos, quick tutorials, help tips, a screenshot of what a fully loaded screen will look like.
Missing Patterns?
Noticeably absent are two patterns that are grossly overused and misused in enterprise software- portals and tabs.
- Portals- If your market research, business requirements and user feedback lead you to design a portal, follow the same design principles and best practices as the Dashboard pattern.
- Tabs- Tabs are a component, and ultimately not a screen pattern. They are to alternate between views of data in the same context. If the data structure is leading you to a tab heavy UI design, I have two suggestions. First, reconsider the IA. Use card sorting and/or hire a professional Information Architect to help you for a few days. Second, follow the same design principles and best practices as the Parallel Panels pattern.
You can download a PDF of this post which includes full descriptions of each pattern, as well as best practices at my site www.designgenie.org.
References
If you are looking for web site design patterns, here are a number of excellent books:
- The Design of Sites: Patterns for Creating Winning Web Sites (2nd edition).
- The Design of Sites: Patterns, Principles, and Processes for Crafting a Customer-Centered Web Experience
- “The Principles of Beautiful Web Design”. Jason Beaird.
- Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design
- Designing Web Navigation: Optimizing the User Experience
Flex 3 OmniGraffle Stencil
December 4, 2008
Just in case you need to whip up wire frames for Flex apps before Adobe’s Flash Catalyst) hits the market- here is my Flex 3 Stencil for OmniGraffle, posted at Graffletopia. I have used it for a couple of projects where I would rather be focusing my energy on brainstorming a good UI than nudging things around in Flex Builder.
OmniGraffle Flex 3 Stencil
Keep an eye out fro my next post. I am celebrating building my 20th major RIA with a list of 20 Essential UI components for RIA design, lots of Ajax and Flex examples. These aren’t the usual suspects either…
Wire Frames for iPhone Web Application Design
April 30, 2008
I just posted a new stencil on Graffletopia. It is the stencil I have been using to make wire frames for iPhone web applications.
This makes it pretty easy to open OmniGraffle and put together some designs for discussion and testing.
And although I included tabs as a component, make sure to refer to Apple’s iPhone Human Interface Guidelines which encourage the use of lists for navigation:
