Index Bar
Index bars provide a quick navigation method, allowing users to jump to specific sections or items in a list, such as alphabetically sorted content. They enhance usability by improving accessibility.
Last updated
Index bars provide a quick navigation method, allowing users to jump to specific sections or items in a list, such as alphabetically sorted content. They enhance usability by improving accessibility.
Last updated
With an index bar, users can easily locate items in long, sorted lists (alphabetically or numerically) without relying on traditional search or filter methods.
Use when users need to move through large collections of alphabetically or numerically sorted items, such as a contact list or product inventory.
Ideal for scenarios where content is divided into sections by a specific order (e.g., alphabetical or chronological) and users need quick access to these sections.
Use when users need to quickly navigate between distant items in a list without needing to scroll manually through all intermediate entries.
Use in mobile and tablet applications where space is limited but users still need an intuitive way to scroll and navigate large datasets.
Avoid using index bars when the list contains only a few items as a simple scroll or search may be more efficient.
Index bars should not be used for unstructured content or datasets that lack a clear ordering system.
Index bars are not suitable when users need to perform complex searches or filtering operations, as it only aids in quick navigation to predefined sections.
Avoid using index bars when the content doesn't logically fit into alphabetic or numeric categories (e.g., unordered content, thematic categories).
Index Bar (Alphabetic or Numeric): The interactive bar on the side of the list, displaying the alphabet or numbers for navigation.
Selected Index: The specific index entry currently selected, visually distinct from unselected entries.
Tap-to-Jump: Users can tap directly on an index letter or number to immediately jump to the corresponding section of the list.
Scroll-to-Drag: Users should be able to drag their finger or mouse over the index to dynamically scroll through the list, providing a smooth transition between sections as they move.
Hover Behavior: On desktop, hovering over the index can highlight the hovered letter or number, offering feedback on which section will be selected.
Snap-to-Section: When a user selects or scrolls to a specific index point, the list should “snap” to the beginning of that section, ensuring proper alignment and easy reading.
Dynamic Highlighting: As users scroll through the list manually, the corresponding index letter or number should be highlighted to provide feedback on the current section.
Debouncing Selection: If users scroll quickly through the index, implement a debounce mechanism to ensure the system doesn't try to load every section they scroll past. Instead, snap to the final selected section.
Small
11
Medium
12
Keyboard Accessibility: Ensure users can navigate the index bar using arrow keys or shortcuts, enabling them to scroll through sections and jump to specific parts of the list using the keyboard.
Screen Reader Compatibility: For users with visual impairments, the index bar should announce the currently selected letter or number and provide clear feedback when sections are navigated.
Visual and Tactile Feedback: Provide clear visual feedback when a user selects an index letter or number (e.g., changing color) and ensure this feedback is accessible to those with low vision or color blindness.
Support for Tap and Swipe Gestures: For touch devices, ensure that users can tap on an index letter or number to jump to a section, and allow swiping or dragging gestures to scroll through the index smoothly.
Contacts List in a Phonebook App: Use the index bar to navigate through a large set of contacts alphabetically, making it easier for users to jump to a specific letter group.
Product Inventory in E-commerce: Implement an index bar for large product catalogues where users can scroll through items grouped alphabetically or by category.
Library Catalog: Allow users to navigate alphabetically or numerically through large sets of books or resources in a digital library or educational application.
Photo Galleries: Alphabetical or numeric index bars can be used in large image galleries to quickly navigate through years or categories of photographs.
