Hi Chip,
I was wondering if the layout like I did with my Uninstall program/app
could be used. There I did a Tree View in which the first level would be the
groups, then the sub level would be individual members of the group then a tab
feature or clicking on the item places you into the fields to fill out; where I
use the Space Bar or click on a group item sends me to a link or edit field.
I suggest this so the groups get displayed for low vision people then you
can break it out from there to keep screen clutter down.
Also note that in my Uninstall program I use an array for the names and
depending on the level of the control, or the array element corresponding to
that level sorts the list in an alphabetical order. Once sorted the Tree is
populated again.
The only thing I did not do is by group, so the entire list is given and
the entire list is sorted, but you can easily change that part based on array
location by unique number which is also used as a Tree Item ID.
I use the Quick Sort format based on column to sort by. Good for large
lists.
I have not cleaned up that program yet as all others for I have not gotten
my damaged computers back and finished my roofing; it is raining again tonight
and had to quit.
So, try the TreeView at the at least the first level and maybe each group
as a list, but a Tree View seem to be OK and can navigate my letter key if
sorted alphabetically.
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 7:57 PM
Subject: form design/layout question
Hi all,
I am designing a form where I need to get a significant amount of info from
the user (perhaps 15 to 20 controls). I can fit all the controls on one large
form, and I'll try to group them into groups with titles and visible frames to
make them appear logical, and not just scattered all over the screen.
Or, the alternative, would be to do something like the WE control panel,
where you have some listbox or treeview on the left controlling which groups of
fields you see on the right. I have at least 3 groups of controls, perhaps 5
if I did it this way. The user would be required to go through the listbox and
visit all 5 groups and tab to the right and enter the info for each group.
This seems to me to be more tedious when all the fields are required (not
when you're just trying to jump to one particular field to make a change).
In my case all my fields are blank, and the user can type in the info or has
a choice of command buttons to retrieve the data.
What I'd like to know is which type of window would you rather work with?
One with all the fields seen at once, or one where you must go down a listbox
of groups, and then go throu each group of fields, and then return to the
listbox?
Reasons would be appreciated. Especially if low-vision users might find one
format better.
I will say that I could be certain, when a low resolution monitor is being
used, that the second method would more likely fit on screen.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Chip
