Motif and Common Desktop Environment: Style Guide

Table of Contents

Preface

Audience

Applicability

Organization

Related Documents

Conventions

Problem Reporting

1. The User Interface: Elements of Style

The Motif User Interface

Elements of the User Interface

Element Behavior

2. Controls

Displaying or Entering Text

Displaying Lists

Using Interactive Controls

Setting Values

Containing or Organizing Elements

Using Window Manager Controls

3. Input Devices

Keyboards

Pointing Devices

4. Audible and Visual Interface Cues

Audible Cues

Visual Cues

5. Specifying Attributes and Navigating

Introducing the Window Manager

Supporting and Designing Windows

Interacting with the Interface

Navigating Within the Interface

Activating Controls

Changing Values in Controls

Using Shortcuts

6. Selection

Selection Models

Mouse-Based Selection Techniques

Keyboard-Based Selection Techniques

Mouse-Based Selection Modes

Keyboard-Based Selection Modes

Complex Scopes

7. Data Transfer

Transferring Data

Using Transfer Techniques

8. Fundamental Design Principles

Placing the User in Control of the Interface

Reducing the User's Memory Load

Promoting Consistency

9. Visual Presentation Principles

Design Methodology

Visual Variables

Visual Priority

Visual Design Tasks

10. Application Development Principles

Developing a Menu Structure

Creating Windows

Designing Controls Within Windows

Designing for User Interaction

Developing an Object-Oriented Interface

11. International Design Guidelines

General Guidelines for International Design

Bidirectional Language Support

Vertical Language Support

12. Designing for Accessibility

Standard Accessibility Guidelines

Types of Disability

Existing Keyboard Access Features

Resources for More Information on Accessibility

13. Common Desktop Environment Guidelines

Advantages of a Common User Interface

Relationship of CDE to Motif

CDE Visual Design

CDE Application Design Guidelines

CDE Window and Session Control

CDE Application Messages

Drag and Drop

A. Widgets and Components Cross Reference

B. Keyboard Model and Key Bindings

Model Keyboard

Keyboard Function

C. Mouse Techniques

Mouse Model and Buttons

Glossary