A Proposed Model for GV Express

October 2008 RED version

The Red Model

Using MenusThe Red model includes a row of horizontal menus on the top portion of the screen.

Menus save screen space and are familiar to many users.

Using MenusBy categorizing numerous options into a smaller number of easily-understood groups, menus can help

the user conceptualize a complex application. Certain Express lends itself to employing menus.

An Express MenuCan be used for standard options (e.g., Open, Save, Print) and application settings

A Resources MenuCan hold resources shared across all folders (contacts database, suppliers database, etc.)

and other useful materials included “out of the box” (e.g., various templates)

A Folder MenuThese options set preferences for the selected folder (i.e., the default settings for every event in the folder) and include materials that all events within can use (e.g., survey, custom questions)

An Event MenuUsed to navigate to the various components of the selected event

(grayed-out and unavailable when an event is not selected)

A Create MenuUsed to quickly go to frequently-used “create new…” screens

Drop-down vs Vista StyleThe Vista toolbar is a horizontal version of the drop-down menu list with categorized icons

Problem with the Vista Toolbar:Applications with numerous navigation choices and user options get visually complicated.

Icons need to be created for every option (and remembered by the user).

Problem with the Vista toolbar:Too many icons can confuse the user and distract from the task

Logging In

Certain Express

A Simple InterfaceAfter login, some lesser-used links (Admin, Support) can be included in menus,

while customer name, user name, and logo show in the header

Selecting an Event in a Folder

Navigating to an Event Using MenuThe conventional Open command could be used to navigate to, and select, an event

Navigating to an Event Using MenuFirst, the user must select the folder that includes the desired event.

Express has two kinds of folders: one holds standard events; one holds courses.

Navigating to an Event Using MenuThen, the user selects the desired event

Event SelectedOnce an event is selected, its name can show on-screen

(along with a crumb-trail showing how you got there)

Event Selected A progress bar (linked to a to-do list?) could visually represent work flow progress.

Other important info could also show on the event’s “Home” page

Selecting a Participant

Several Navigation OptionsThe user could get to a list of speakers using a menu

Several Navigation OptionsThe user could get to a list of speakers by drilling into a graphic

Several Navigation OptionsThe user could get to a list of speakers by clicking a link in the Resource Frame or by using a Search feature

Several Navigation OptionsThe user could get to a list of speakers by clicking a link in a related list

Other UI Ideas

Building an Event: Graphic AlternativeDrag event components into the build space. Select a component to view properties.

Navigation Alternative Modular products (e.g., Meetings) or lesser-used menu items could be moved to a panel on the left

The End