Controls UX

MonTel Controls and UX

Topic created 2009-02-10

This topic has been included specifically for the UX Book club in perth.

MonTel Custom controls are used to facilitate input to either the MonTel client or to MonTel administration programs.

Showctrl.exe is very basic sample program as a static demonstration (meaning it doesn't do anything) that shows these new controls along side the standard microsoft nearest equivalents to allow a side by side comparison.

showctrl.zip

To run it down load, unzip the file and run the executable of the same name. It does not require any additional files (or frameworks!) to be installed.

Notes From a UX point of view.

The following comments are a brief analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the controls. This is not intended to reflect their applicability, reliability or use in MonTel. When used they are intended to enhance the application and not detract from it. These notes ned to be read in the context of making an honest attempt to meet the users needs with in the boundaries of commercial realities.

Please note that documentation on these controls can be found in the MonTel Application note MonTel custom 'Common' Controls.

Currently, the Microsoft Active Accessibility is not used in these controls. The overhead in coding time is extensive (it may also slow the controls though not significantly). This is something that may be addressed at a later stage - especially if these controls are bundled up and sold separately.

Many of the Improvement suggestions will be addressed in later iterations, if commercially justifiable (and sensible).

MtDateTime

Strengths:

• Control allows Date and Time.
• You can you use the mouse to move the hands of the clock!

Improvement suggestions:

• Keyboard interface cannot be used with out some mouse input once the drop-down control is used (such as moving from the calender side to the clock).
• Only supports ISO time currently.

MtBitEdit

Strengths:

Two way interface (enter digits or mouse select check boxes).

Improvement suggestions:

• Allow names or mnemonics instead of numbers as each time this control is used it is likely to be used to input bits that have a specific meaning.

MtCombo

Strengths: Allows suggested items as well as all items for a database entry field. The left button is designed to show a selected subset of the right default button. The F4 keys cycles between left, right and nothing dropped down, as does the <ALT>-<Down arrow>.

MtDlgCtrl

Notes:

• The button is not show with the drop-down icon, but rather a new 'window icon' to indicate that this is a separate (and modal) window that pops up.

Strengths:

• Gives a way of adding more text (or other information) into a single field than can be displayed on a single line readily.

Improvement suggestions:

• This is a little tricky since only modal popup is used. The creates difficulties in providing feedback into the control which doesn't seem to be addressable.

See Also Miscellaneous topics