[Paperboy]

Hello,

Im a designer working in a web portal developing team, and we are currently developing a new interface for a TV section, and I came across a little contradiction with the programmers when we got to the part with channel selection, so I want to see what others have to say, so if you are kind enough, please answer with arguments.

In terms of usability / user friendly interface, what kind of select method would you prefer? ( what do you think is best suited )

1. Select (drop-down) box, with channel names in a vertical list



2. A window where all channel names are visible (with check boxes)



What would you prefer: a simple - clean select-drop-down box , or a visual version with all channels and logo.

I'm waiting for your answers, and I don't want just developers... everybody is welcome. That's the whole point.

[pgo]

Well, first off, there's no sense in saying "checkboxes or a select dropdown" as they provide completely different options (multiple select and single select, respectively).

Let's just assume you only want people selecting one thing at a time. If there's more than around 5 options I'd use a dropdown. Otherwise, radio buttons.

If you want them to select multiple items, I think check boxes are the undisputed choice - multiple select boxes are obnoxious (hitting "LMB" is a lot easier than "Ctrl+LMB").

[Paperboy]

- The list would contain ~ 100 channels. And the functionality is to select some channels to ad in a list.
- Its purpose is multi select.
- The ver. with checkboxes is a wide window with channels sorted on categories... news... movies... etc.
- The ver. with drop-down requires more drop-downs.
- The ideea is to think for normal users not developers.

Thank you for your answer, I'm waiting for more.

Here something similar: "www.dolce.ro/ro/programul_tv.html" (this is with select boxes)
And what I have in mind will imply a single button - displaying a window with all the channels, with checkboxes / on categories ( this way controlling the number of channels displayed ), and with each channel logo displayed where the select box is on the current example.

[Mongoose]

The idea of a 100+ item dropdown menu scares me. And if you're going for multiple selections, then checkboxes are your best bet.

But a 100+ item checkbox array is overwhelming, too. I'd suggest grouping similar channels into relevant sections in order to take advantage of clustering and make the menu more usable.

Also, I like the idea of having little icons for channels, if it's viable. It could lead to a very cluttered, icon-ripe layout, but it's worth a shot. If you like the idea of grouping channels together, maybe have an icon for each section.

[pgo]

Well, a dropdown is out since you can't select multiple items in a single dropdown. So, you're left with a scrolling multiple select box (ugly and forces people to use "Ctrl+LMB") or checkboxes.

I think the answer is clear.

Also, try to not have more than ten items in a category. It's going to get very confusing, very quickly.

Perhaps make certain form sections toggle-able via JavaScript to simplify the UX.

[bazzle]

if it's just one item to select, then dropdown. For multiple items, use your second option

[herkalees]

pgo answered this twice already - his advice is the right advice.

[Paperboy]

Thank you for your answers guys! verry useful.
I think that's all.