[Sigia-l] IA Java alternatives

[Stew Dean]

At 16:18 21/04/2004, Dave Collins wrote:

> >My company is doing a series of graphics with fly-out
>menus. For a sample of something similar, go to:
>http://www.analog.com/Dynamic/ISC/ISCDisplay.asp?SignalChainID=SC1047
>
>I did not find any flyout menus at the link you listed. Can you clarify?
>
>Dave

I think this indicates the problem. The javascript 'flyout'  (not Java) is 
non standard and quite frankly obscure. It happens when you click on the 
boxes on the diagram.

The problem is the boxes don't look like buttons or in any way look like 
they are clickable.

One of the golden rules of interface design (not IA) is if someone is 
clickable it needs to look clickable. DO NOT rely upon the cursor changes 
and  do not rely upon roll over states (although they help).  Common 
techniques include arrows, 3D shading, etc.  Lastly, and most important if 
you have to rely upon instructional copy to indicate how navigation works - 
you've failed to design a clear interface.

You have many alternatives here even if space is problem. In this case why 
not just use drop down menus? Or better still use lists. Turn them into 
tabs. Do anything that looks like navigation and avoid non standard approaches.

Stew Dean




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Stew Dean
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