Program Command Patterns

Simple

User goals: Focus on basic document creation tasks. Directness and simplicity are important.

document

Examples: WordPad, Paint, Windows Journal.

creation

Recommended command presentation: Even though these programs are simple, there are usually too many commands to fit on

Used to create

a single toolbar. A ribbon is often a good choice, although a combination menu bar and a simple toolbar may also work well. The

and view simple

ability to provide results-oriented commands is often the deciding factor.

documents.

Targeted at all

users.

A ribbon is often the best choice for a simple document creation program.

Intermediate

User goals: Ability to perform a wide range of tasks with ease, although directness and simplicity are still important.

document

Examples: Microsoft Office, Windows Movie Maker.

creation and

Recommended command presentation: A ribbon is the ideal choice, especially if it provides results-oriented commands.

authoring

Used to create

and view more

complex

documents.

Targeted at

intermediate

users.

A ribbon is the ideal choice for an intermediate document creation program.

Advanced

User goals: Efficiency. Getting large, complex projects done quickly. Discoverability and ease of learning are desirable but not

document

essential.

creation and

Examples: Microsoft Visual Studio®.

authoring

Recommended command presentation: Efficient, configurable, scalable, and contextual UI. While a user-configurable ribbon

Used to create

might work well, also consider using a menu bar with multiple toolbars that can be undocked to become palette windows.

and view

Vertical task panes may also be appropriate.

advanced

documents.

Targeted at

trained, expert

users.

Document

User goals: Focus on the content. Search, browse, navigate, and perform a few simple commands.

viewers or

Examples: Windows® Internet Explorer®, Windows Media® Player, Windows Photo Gallery.

browsers

Recommended command presentation: Given that users want to focus on the content, and the commands are generally simple

Used to find and

and few in number, a combination of inline commands, a menu bar (possibly hidden by default), and a simple toolbar is often the

read, view, or

best choice. However, a ribbon might be a better choice if the program can benefit from results-oriented commands or the

play content

documents have interactive objects.

created

elsewhere.

Targeted at all

users.

A combination of direct commands, a menu bar, and a simple toolbar is often the best choice for a document

viewer.

Utilities

User goals: Ability to perform tasks quickly and easily. Some tasks may be unfamiliar.

Used to perform

Examples: Calculator, Notepad, gadgets, Windows Live™ Messenger, Windows Fax and Scan, Windows Snipping Tool.

simple, specific

Recommended command presentation: For simple utilities, direct commands and settings (such as command buttons, radio

tasks. Targeted

buttons, check boxes, drop-down lists, and sliders) are the best choice. For more advanced utilities, use a combination of a menu

at all users.

bar and a simple toolbar. The commands are too simple and few in number to warrant a ribbon.

Utilities may have a menu bar and simple toolbar.

Configuration

User goals: Ability to perform unfamiliar tasks quickly and easily.

programs

Examples: Control panel pages and property sheets.

Used to

Recommended command presentation: Direct commands are the best choice.

configure

hardware and

software.

Targeted at all

users.

Control panel pages should have simple, direct command presentation.

Games

User goals: To have fun and focus on the game, right away.

Used to play

Examples: Halo®, Solitaire, FreeCell, InkBall.

games. Targeted

Recommended command presentation: If the commands are very simple and frequently used, use direct commands. If there

at all users.

are several infrequently used commands, place them in a simple menu bar.