Simplifying Menu Layout

You can simplify the appearance of menus by applying the following layout rules.

Consistency

Menu layout should be consistent with itself (including the menu bar and context menus), the program, and Windows standards. Use the standard menu names, and put menu items in the standard locations. For example, printing commands should go in the File menu and help commands should go in the Help menu, even if you can make a good case for putting them elsewhere. You should follow the conventions to match your users' expectations.

Flow

More important commands should appear at the top of the menu, less important commands at the bottom.

Grouping

Put related items in the same menu, and group related menu items by using separators and cascading menus. Avoid having several groups with only one item in them. Grouping related menu items reduces complexity by allowing the user to quickly perceive the items as a group.



Developing User Interfaces for Microsoft Windows
Developing User Interfaces for Microsoft Windows
ISBN: 0735605866
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 334

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