This document provides guidelines for designing effective dialog boxes in applications. It discusses the different types of dialogs including modal and modeless, and their appropriate uses. It recommends using verbs in titles for function dialogs and object names for property dialogs. The document also provides tips for managing content within dialog boxes, such as using tabbed, expanding, or cascading designs. It concludes with examples from applications like PowerPoint, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver that demonstrate best practices.

1. DialogsEmma & James

2. DialogsEmma & JamesDo you want to continue with the presentation?YesNo

3. AgendaUsageBasicsTypesPurposeManaging ContentGuidelinesDemo

4. UsagePrimary interactionsprimary windowUseful for functions out of the main interaction flowOrganizeControlsInformation

5. BasicsFunctionsUse verbs in title barPropertiesUse object names in tile barProperties Dialog Box Function Dialog Box – Insert is the verb

6. TypesModalMain application can’t be usedModelessMain application availableSolutions:Visually differentiate dialogsUse consistent terminating commandsDon’t dynamically change labels

7. New Modeless IdiomThe toolbarDockingFloatingSidebarsModeless Dialog – Detachable Sidebars

8. PurposeDialog TypesUser-LaunchedPropertyFunctionApplication-LaunchedProcess BulletinBlockingTransitoryProcess DialogBlocking Bulletin

9. Managing ContentTabbed dialogsExpanding dialogsCascading dialogsExpanding DialogTabbed Dialog

10. GuidelinesStrong visual hierarchy, visual grouping.Four purposes for dialogs:Property, function, process, and bulletinUse verbs in function dialog title bars.Use object names in property dialog title bars.Alternatives for modeless dialogs.Manage content in dialog boxes:Tabbed, expanding, cascading

11. DemosPowerpointProperties – ModelessEmbed Flash – ModalPhotoshopGood use of new idiomDreamweaverPersistent Properties dialog