Drop-Down Box

  Description    Purpose    Advantages     Disadvantages    Usage   List Size     Organization    Caption       

Drop-Down.jpg (5989 bytes)

 

  1. Description
    1. A single rectangular-shaped control with a small button to the side and an associated hidden list of options.
    2. The button provides a visual cue that an associated selection box is available but hidden.
    3. When the button is selected, a larger associated box appears containing a list of choices from which one may be selected.
    4. Selections are made by using the mouse to point and click.
  2. Purpose
    1. To select one item from a large list of mutually exclusive options when screen space is limited.
  3. Advantages
    1. Unlimited number of choices.
    2. Reminds users of available options.
    3. Conserves screen space.
  4. Disadvantages
    1. Requires an extra action to display the list of choices.
    2. When displayed, all choices may not always be visible, requiring scrolling.
    3. The list may be ordered in an unpredictable way, making it hard to find items.
  5. Usage
    1. For selecting values, or setting attributes.
    2. For choices that are mutually exclusive.
    3. Where screen space is limited.
    4. For data and choices that are:
      1. Best represented textually.
      2. Infrequently selected.
      3. Not well known, easily learned, or remembered.
      4. Ordered in a non-predicable fashion.
      5. Large in number.
      6. Variable or fixed in list length.
    5. When screen space or layout considerations make radio buttons or fixed list boxes impractical.
  6. List Size
    1. Not limited in size.
    2. Present all available alternatives.
  7. Organization
    1. Order in a logical and meaningful way to permit easy browsing.
    2. If a particular choice is not available in the current context, omit it from the list
    3. Exception to item 2: If it is important that the existence and non-availability of a particular list item be communicated, display the choice dimmed or grayed instead of deleting it.
  8. Caption
    1. Display using mixed-case letters.
    2. Position the caption to the left of the box.
    3. Alternatively, it may be positioned left-justified above the box.

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