简单文档创建

用于创建和查看简单文档。面向所有用户。

用户目标：重点放在基本的文档创建任务。直接和简洁非常重要。

示例：写字板、绘图、Windows 日记等。

推荐命令呈现方式：虽然这些程序很简单，但还是经常在单个工具栏上堆了太多的命令。尽管菜单栏和工具栏的组合也不错，但功能区往往是更好的选择。能够提供面向结果的命令通常是决定性的因素。

功能区通常是简单文档创建程序的最佳选择。

中级文档创建和撰写

用于创建和查看更复杂的文档。针对中级用户。

用户目标：能够轻松完成大量任务，而且直接和简洁依然重要。

示例：Microsoft Office、Windows Movie Maker。

推荐命令呈现方式：功能区是理想的选择，尤其当它提供的是面向结果的功能时。

功能区是中级文档创建程序的理想选择。

高级文档创建与撰写

用于创建和查看高级文档。针对经过训练的、专家用户。

用户目标：高效。快速完成大型复杂的项目。可发现性及易学习性应当进行考虑，但不是必要的。

示例：Microsoft Visual Studio®。

推荐命令呈现方式：高效的、可配置的、伸缩性强的用户界面。菜单栏及多个能够解除停靠而变为调色板窗口的工具栏。纵向的任务窗格也适用。

菜单栏及多个能够解除停靠的工具栏往往是高级文档创建程序的最佳选择。

Document viewers or browsers

Used to find and read, view, or play content created elsewhere. Targeted at all users.

User goals: Focus on the content. Search, browse, navigate, and perform a few simple commands.

Examples: Windows® Internet Explorer®, Windows Media® Player, Windows Photo Gallery.

Recommended command presentation: Given that users want to focus on the content, and the commands are generally simple and few in number, a combination of inline commands, a menu bar (possibly hidden by default), and a simple toolbar is often the best choice. However, a Ribbon might be a better choice if the program can benefit from results-oriented commands or the documents have interactive objects.

A combination of direct commands, a menu bar, and a simple toolbar is often the best choice for a document viewer.

Utilities

Used to perform simple, specific tasks. Targeted at all users.

User goals: Ability to perform tasks quickly and easily. Some tasks may be unfamiliar.

Examples: Calculator, Notepad, Sidebar gadgets, Windows Live™ Messenger, Windows Fax and Scan, Windows Snipping Tool.

Recommended command presentation: For simple utilities, direct commands and settings (such as command buttons, radio buttons, check boxes, drop-down lists, and sliders) are the best choice. For more advanced utilities, use a combination of a menu bar and a simple toolbar. The commands are too simple and few in number to warrant a Ribbon.

Utilities may have a menu bar and simple toolbar.

Configuration programs

Used to configure hardware and software. Targeted at all users.

User goals: Ability to perform unfamiliar tasks quickly and easily.

Examples: Control panel pages and property sheets.

Recommended command presentation: Direct commands are the best choice.

Control panel pages should have simple, direct command presentation.

Games

Used to play games. Targeted at all users.

User goals: To have fun and focus on the game, right away.

Examples: Halo®, Solitaire, FreeCell, InkBall.

Recommended command presentation: If the commands are very simple and frequently used, use direct commands. If there are several infrequently used commands, place them in a simple menu bar.

Most games should have simple, direct command presentation.