Common principles for command interface building

Scope: managed applications.

The command interface helps users to navigate through the configuration functionality. It contains:

·         Sections panel

·         Current section functions panel

·         Functions menu

·         Navigation and actions commands

Each of these items has its own purpose. All together, they create space of commands available for users.

You can configure which panels and where will be displayed. You need to consider application specifics and adhere to the following principles:

1. Put as many items in panels and menus as can be viewed on the standard display resolution without scrolling.

2. Arrange items within panels and menus in the descending order of importance and frequency of use. The most important items and commands must come first.

3. It is not recommended that you put commands and menu items that begin with the same characters next to each other.

4. Design the command interface so that it increases effectiveness of the day-to-day activities and helps users to quickly learn how to use the application. For this purpose, consider user feedback and suggestions for grouping commands upon development.

See also: Command Interface (8.2)