List entry row test cases
I recently had reason to use the new list entry pattern in some designs, and ran into a few issues with it. As a result, I thought that I'd try it in a few more cases to see how it performs:
Each of these examples is based on existing UIs that exist in GNOME today. The mockups omit giving focus to the first entry in most cases, as well as using hint text.
Issues to consider here:
- The empty state seems a bit problematic:
- When placed alongside a filled entry, it doesn't look empty (since the filled entry and unfilled label text styles and positions are the same).
- The edit hint means that they don't invite completion - they're not a space to be filled
- Issues with regards to horizontal placement:
- In other list rows, we have the convention of the label going on the left and the control going on the right. However, the list entries reverse this. This can feel off-balance, particularly when there are rows which contain text values on the right (as with combo rows).
- The edit button draws you to the right of the list, but then editing happens on the left - the user gets bounced from one side to the other.
- Issues with controls:
- Extra controls result in the edit button position fluctuating.
- Extra controls are a long way from the entry value, and there's often the edit button in-between. This makes it hard to tell that they will affect the entry value.
- Other functionality to consider:
- What about description text in the entry row?
- What about spin buttons?
Personally I'd be interested in exploring options which maintain the entry position on the right, to be consistent with the other row patterns we have.
Related MR: GNOME/libadwaita!194 (merged)
Edited by Allan Day