Organizing Window Functions

Organizing Window Functions

Window Organization

Organize windows to support user tasks.

Support the most common tasks in the most efficient sequence of steps.

Use primary windows to:

-   Begin an interaction and provide a top-level context for dependent windows.

-   Perform a major interaction.

Use secondary windows to:

-   Extend the interaction.

-   Obtain or display supplemental information related to the primary window.

Use dialog boxes for:

-   Infrequently used or needed information.

-   “Nice-to-know” information.

Number of Windows

Minimize the number of windows needed to accomplish an objective.

The general rule:

-   Minimize the number of windows used to accomplish an objective.

-   Use a single window whenever possible. Consider, however, the user’s task.

-   Don’t clutter up a single window with rarely used information when it can be placed on a second, infrequently used, window.