Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!apple!voder!pyramid!unify!openlook!openlook-request
From: klg!ed@Canada.Sun.COM (Edward Lycklama - KL Group Inc.)
Newsgroups: comp.windows.open-look
Subject: Searching a scrolling list
Message-ID: <siotqnw@openlook.Unify.Com>
Date: 12 May 91 14:13:43 GMT
Lines: 31


	Here's a little question for all you OPEN LOOK style guide gurus. Also, for all
	you OPEN LOOK toolkit implementors.
	
	The UI problem involves selecting something from a large, indefinitely long list
	of choices. For this, the scrolling list is perhaps the best OL control. If
	you're not quite sure which item you want, the scrolling list lets you browse
	the possibilities and pick one. However, if you know exactly which item you
	want, then most people will prefer to just type in the name, rather than scroll
	through a long list. 
	
	The question is this: according to OPEN LOOK style, what is the best way to
	present both access methods --- type-in and list selection --- so that users
	can use either one or both, as suits them?
	
	Toolkit implementors: the ideal would be a scrolling list that would scroll as
	you typed, much like Emacs incremental search: Hit 'F' and the first item
	beginning with 'F' is highlighted, etc.


Actually, the XView toolkit does allow this; the trick is to get the keyboard focus into
the scrolling list. Visually this happens when the list goes from protruding to indented; usually
you get this to happen by hitting the return key until the focus jumps into the list. Then you
just type the letter, and the first name beginning with that letter is selected.  

Ed Lycklama

KL Group Inc.                       | Phone: (416) 594-1026 
134 Adelaide St. E, Suite 204       | Fax:   (416) 594-1919
Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1K9           | UUCP:  ut{zoo|csri}!suncan!klg!ed
CANADA