When you say 3500, does that mean total tree nodes or total top level nodes? Is there only one level under the top level nodes, or can it be several levels deep? Also, are there any general categories that can be applied? I've used a combo box drop down before to limit the amount of data in the tree. The drop down selects which top level node you want, restricting the tree view data to only one level (in my case). Another time I used a change in font (using italic font) to indicate a partially selected sub tree. To be fair, I never tested that, but we never had any customer complaints about it either, fwiw. Other options could be to use accordian panels for the top level nodes. If that isn't appropriate for your data, consider using icons at the nodes and having a legend that explains your fully selected, partially selected, and none selected icons. Just some ideas for you. I have seen lots of ways to work around the "partially selected" issue, but they are domain-specific so they depend on your data and context. If the content is similar to a file/folder structure, that is, its user-created data with few limitations on organization and function, then you don't have too many options. The standard tree view doesn't handle that situation very well (as you've noticed), so if you aren't willing to settle for compromises that you've already looked at, you may have to consider a custom-built control.
Out of curiosity, what was the demographics for the usability test you ran? I'm curious to know if older/younger people had more or less trouble, or if there were any issues with people based on their level of computer familiarity. Brian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=45857 ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [email protected] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
