Selection Control Types Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary use of radio buttons in user interfaces?

To toggle preferences on and off.

To present a large dataset for user interaction.

To enable the selection of one option from a small set of mutually exclusive choices. (correct)

To allow multiple selections from a list of options.

Which of the following describes a key disadvantage of radio buttons?

They can make it difficult for users to compare options.

They are appropriate for large datasets.

They are useful for selecting multiple items simultaneously.

They consume more screen space compared to drop-down lists. (correct)

What type of selection control allows users to make non-exclusive selections?

Check boxes (correct)

Drop-down lists

Radio buttons

List boxes

What design tip should be followed when using check boxes?

Group related check boxes in a columnar orientation. Signup and view all the answers

Which selection control is preferred when all options need to be visible for easy comparison?

Radio buttons Signup and view all the answers

Why are radio buttons not suitable for choices with a large number of options?

They cannot represent more than eight choices clearly. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for check boxes to be effective in a UI?

They need to be toggleable and allow multiple selections. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common design suggestion for enhancing radio button usability?

Offer keyboard mnemonics for accessibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which selection control is best suited for displaying numerous options when screen space is available?

List boxes Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using drop-down/pop-up list boxes?

Conserves screen space effectively Signup and view all the answers

Which design tip is important for list boxes?

Present 6 to 8 options without scrolling Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using palettes for selection?

They are limited to a small number of options Signup and view all the answers

What should designers ensure about the graphical choices in a palette?

They are clear, distinct, and easily recognizable Signup and view all the answers

What feature should be employed in drop-down/pop-up list boxes to indicate that more options are available?

A visual cue like a downward arrow Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using list boxes in a user interface?

They can become visually overwhelming if too many options are displayed Signup and view all the answers

Why might a design team choose to use check boxes?

To enable batch actions easily Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main purposes of selection controls in user interfaces?

To enhance user experience and reduce errors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the advantages of using palettes is true?

They use visual cues to aid comprehension Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Selection Control Types

Selection controls present choices for users, allowing selection of one or more options for setting attributes, determining properties, or making decisions.
They ensure clarity and usability, organizing and visually representing choices.
Types include radio buttons, check boxes, list boxes, drop-downs, and palettes. Each caters to different scenarios.

Radio Buttons

Small circular buttons with labels.
Allow selection of only one option from a group of mutually exclusive choices.
Best for 2-8 options that need easy comparison.
Advantages: easy access, clear.
Disadvantages: limited to a small number of choices, more screen space than drop-downs.
Design Tips: columnar orientation, descriptive labels, highlight the selected option, use keyboard mnemonics, ideal when choices are static.

Check Boxes

A square box and label.
Allow multiple selections. Each is a toggle.
Suitable for non-exclusive choices.
Advantages: multiple selections are possible, easy to understand.
Disadvantages: consume screen space, challenging alignment.
Design Tips: group related boxes columnar, distinct on/off states, avoid "Select All" unless necessary, dim unavailable choices.

List Boxes

Multiple options in a box, allow scrolling.
Used for a medium-to-large number of choices, when a full overview is needed.
Advantages: efficient for numerous options.
Disadvantages: requires scrolling for longer list.
Design Tips: display 6-8 options without scrolling, logical order, "Select All" or "Deselect All" if used often, border around the list.

Drop-Down/Pop-up List Boxes

Show a single item, but clicking expands to display additional options.
Suitable for many options when screen space is limited.
Advantages: conserve screen space, effective for handling large options.
Disadvantages: Requires an additional action, potential scrolling issues.
Design Tips: visual cue for hidden list, wide enough box or ellipses for long items, clear order of options, dim unavailable choices.

Palettes

Graphical controls showing visual alternatives (e.g., colors, patterns, images).
Used for visually representing mutually exclusive choices, such as colors or icons.
Advantages: visual aids, can save space compared to text.
Disadvantages: limited to a smaller number of options, designing good graphics can be difficult.
Design Tips: clear and distinct visuals, test for intuition, columnar or horizontal layouts, use captions for context.

Conclusion

Selection controls are important for user-friendly interfaces.
Each type suits different needs.
Proper usage enhances user experience, reduces errors, and improves application function.

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Description

Explore the various selection control types including radio buttons and check boxes. Understanding these controls is crucial for designing user interfaces that are clear and accessible. This quiz will help you identify the best options for presenting choices effectively.