Program Command Patterns
Ribbons
The type of program is a good indicator of the appropriate command presentation:
Simple document creation
Used to create and view simple documents. Targeted at all users.
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User goals: Focus on basic document creation tasks. Directness and simplicity are important.
Examples: WordPad, Paint, Windows Journal.
Recommended command presentation: Even though these programs are simple, there are usually too many commands to fit on a single toolbar. A ribbon is often a good choice, although a combination menu bar and a simple toolbar may also work well. The ability to provide results-oriented commands is often the deciding factor.
A ribbon is often the best choice for a simple document creation program.
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Intermediate document creation and authoring
Used to create and view more complex documents. Targeted at intermediate users.
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User goals: Ability to perform a wide range of tasks with ease, although directness and simplicity are still important.
Examples: Microsoft Office, Windows Movie Maker.
Recommended command presentation: A ribbon is the ideal choice, especially if it provides results-oriented commands.
A ribbon is the ideal choice for an intermediate document creation program.
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Advanced document creation and authoring
Used to create and view advanced documents. Targeted at trained, expert users.
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User goals: Efficiency. Getting large, complex projects done quickly. Discoverability and ease of learning are desirable but not essential.
Examples: Microsoft Visual Studio®.
Recommended command presentation: Efficient, configurable, scalable, and contextual UI.
While a user-configurable ribbon might work well, also consider using a menu bar with multiple toolbars that can be undocked to become palette windows. Vertical task panes may also be appropriate.
A menu bar with undockable toolbars can be the best choice for an advanced document creation program.
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Document viewers or browsers
Used to find and read, view, or play content created elsewhere. Targeted at all users.
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User goals: Focus on the content. Search, browse, navigate, and perform a few simple commands.
Examples: Windows® Internet Explorer®, Windows Media® Player, Windows Photo Gallery.
Recommended command presentation: Given that users want to focus on the content, and the commands are generally simple and few in number, a combination of inline commands, a menu bar (possibly hidden by default), and a simple toolbar is often the best choice. However, a ribbon might be a better choice if the program can benefit from results-oriented commands or the documents have interactive objects.
A combination of direct commands, a menu bar, and a simple toolbar is often the best choice for a document viewer.
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Utilities
Used to perform simple, specific tasks. Targeted at all users.
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User goals: Ability to perform tasks quickly and easily. Some tasks may be unfamiliar.
Examples: Calculator, Notepad, gadgets, Windows Live™ Messenger, Windows Fax and Scan, Windows Snipping Tool.
Recommended command presentation: For simple utilities, direct commands and settings (such as command buttons, radio buttons, check boxes, drop-down lists, and sliders) are the best choice. For more advanced utilities, use a combination of a menu 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.
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Configuration programs
Used to configure hardware and software. Targeted at all users.
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User goals: Ability to perform unfamiliar tasks quickly and easily.
Examples: Control panel pages and property sheets.
Recommended command presentation: Direct commands are the best choice.
Control panel pages should have simple, direct command presentation.
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Games
Used to play games. Targeted at all users.
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User goals: To have fun and focus on the game, right away.
Examples: Halo®, Solitaire, FreeCell, InkBall.
Recommended command presentation: If the commands are very simple and frequently used, use direct commands. If there are several infrequently used commands, place them in a simple menu bar.
Most games should have simple, direct command presentation.
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