Select List
Example 1: Single Select List
What It Is
Select lists present users with a list of options. Single select lists display a set of mutually exclusive options, from which users can make a single choice. Multi select lists allow users to select one or more options.
When to Use
Whenever you have seven or more options that users can choose from.
Fireman's Fund Usage Guidelines
The following guidelines should be followed when working with select lists:
- Select lists must always be placed within a containing form block
- The set of list options should be greater than seven and fewer than 25
Is This the Right Control?
The following guidelines for select lists come from the Microsoft UX Guide:
General
- Does the list present data, rather than program options? Either way, a list box is a suitable choice regardless of the number of items. By contrast, radio buttons or check boxes are suitable only for a small number of program options.
Single Select Lists
- Is the control used to choose one item from a list of mutually exclusive values? If not, use another control. For choosing multiple items, use a standard multiple-selection list instead.
Multi Select Lists
- Is multiple selection essential to the task or commonly used? If so, use a check box list to make multiple selection obvious, especially if your target users aren't advanced. Many users won't realize that a standard multiple-selection list supports multiple selection. Use a standard multiple-selection list if the check boxes would draw too much attention to multiple selection or result in too much screen clutter.
- Is the stability of the multiple selection important? If so, use a check box list, list builder, or add/remove list because clicking changes only a single item at a time. With a standard multiple selection list, it's very easy to clear all the selections—even by accident.
- Is the control used to choose zero or more items from a list of values? If not, use another control. For choosing one item, use a single-selection list instead.