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Frequent app functions

Common actions

Many applications share common actions and associated icons. For example for actions triggered by buttons, action links or menu entries.

ActionIconDescription
CreateCreates a new object or entity, which gets persisted on completion. For example, create a new user account. Use Duplicate when a user wants to start using an existing similar object.
AddAdds or assigns an existing object to a group or selection. For example, adding a user to a group.
DeleteDeletes an object permanently. If needed, warn users before deletion. For example, remove a user from a group.
RemoveRemoves or un-assigns an object from a group or a selection.
EditOpens an object's edit mode, enabling changes to be made. This triggers a state change in the current context or directs the user to a different screen or modal to change data or values. Edit mode can be exited using Save or Cancel.
SavePersists changed data permanently. Mainly used for application entities like saving the user name change. Use Apply to confirm a view or filter change.
ApplyApplies changes or changed setting temporary.
CancelStops current action and returns to previous context. Warn users about potential data loss if significant unsaved changes exist. Use a Secondary or Tertiary button to cancel actions.
CopyCopies the selected objects to a temporary memory, e.g., clipboard. The object can be pasted later.
PasteInserts the data from the temporary memory (e.g., clipboard) to a form or other component.
DuplicateCreates new identical instances. The duplicate must have a different name. Use the following naming conventions: Copy of {{originalName}} as the default name and Copy {{count}} of {{originalName}} for any existing default name.
ClearRemoves data from fields, deselects options or resets controls. E.g. see Search Bar.
ResetReverts values back to default or previous state.
RefreshReloads a view of an object, list, or data set.
CloseExits the current context (without saving) (see Modals).

Best practices for actions

  • Assign the most important or likely action to the primary button, but use only one per screen
  • Use secondary or tertiary buttons for other actions based on their significance
  • Define the representation or hide the action, if the user does not have the required permissions (e.g. disable button)
  • Inform user about financial or legal restrictions and implications (e.g. binding offers, fees, …)
  • Show a Progress Indication matching to the use case and expected duration
  • Provide bulk actions if many objects are possible in a specific context

Restoring behavior of items

  • Be clear on deleting, removing, creating and adding
  • Create goes hand in hand with Delete, it usually means it cannot be restored
  • Add goes hand in hand with Remove, it usually means it can be restored
  • Do not use Delete and Remove as synonym

Do's

  • Create a chart and delete a chart
  • Add a sensor to a chart and remove a sensor from chart

Don'ts

  • Create a chart and remove it
  • Add a sensor and delete the sensor

Overview

Do's

  • Dashboard
  • Overview
  • Cockpit
  • Home

Don'ts

  • Console
  • Dash
  • Control panel

Analytics

Do's

  • Analysis
  • Analysis
  • Anomaly detection

Don'ts

  • Assessment
  • Examination

Detail view

Do's

  • Details
  • Details
  • Device details

Don'ts

  • Facts
  • Specifics

Device properties

Do's

  • Product name
  • Tag
  • Manufacturer
  • Type
  • State
  • Article number
  • Serial number
  • Installation date
  • HW version
  • FW version
  • SW version

Upload

Do's

  • Drag a file here or select a file
  • Drag files here or select files

Don'ts

  • Drag and drop here or browse

Comments

Do's

  • Write comment
  • Write comment and approve
  • Write comment and reject
  • Write your comments here

Don'ts

  • Write a comment

Grid and list actions

Do's

  • Group
  • Sort
  • Filter
  • Edit columns
  • Search by XY

Notifications

Do's

  • Events
  • Notifications
  • Anomalies
  • Notify me when X occurs

Don'ts

  • Error
  • Issue
  • Problem

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