Actions Group-
An actions group is a categorized set of related commands presented together in a user interface (UI), typically within an Actions Pane or ribbon. Each group is labeled to indicate the common purpose or functionality of the commands it contains.
Purpose:
The main goal of an actions group is to:
- Improve usability by organizing commands in a logical way.
- Help users find commands quickly by reducing visual clutter.
- Enhance productivity through intuitive navigation.
Typical Structure:
An actions group usually contains:
- A label (e.g., “New”, “Edit”, “Export”).
- One or more commands (e.g., “New Document”, “New Folder”).
- Optional separators or icons to distinguish groups.
Where You’ll Find It:
Actions groups are common in:
- Productivity software (like Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook).
- Enterprise systems (such as CRMs or ERPs).
- Web-based applications with sidebars or toolbars.
Example:
In a document editing application:
- The “New” group might include:
- New Document
- New Folder
- New Template
- The “Save” group might include:
- Save
- Save As
- Save All
These groups help users quickly access tasks related to document creation or saving.
Design Best Practices:
- Group commands by function, not by frequency.
- Use clear, concise labels.
- Keep the number of commands per group manageable.
- Maintain visual consistency across groups.