Chapter 4 - Navigation

Chapter 4.  Navigation

Navigation

Screen Forms

VEM forms are designed in a (relatively) consistent manner to make it easy for users to familiarize themselves with navigating through the program.  Typically, forms will consist of a header section, a body of the form and a footer.  The header and footer have colored backgrounds to distinguish them from the body, which will generally have a white (e.g., menus) or default gray background.  The header space is reserved for a page title and – in cases where a footer is not present – an escape/exit button to close the form.  The footer will usually contain an escape/exit button, dataset navigation tools and printer command buttons. 

The body of the form contains its working interface, so to speak.  Its contents may include a series of navigation controls, as in a menu; data entry fields for an individual record; or a summary list of records from a dataset.  Forms are set up to open into the body of the form – that is, the cursor will be on the first functional control in the body of the form, whether it is a text box for data entry or a navigation button.  The TAB key will advance the cursor through the controls in the body of the form.  To go from the body of the form to a control in the footer (for example, to close the form), click on the desired control with the left (primary) mouse button.

VEM generally uses four different screen form types:  (1) Menus, (2) Record or Data Entry Forms, (3) List Forms and (4) Pop-up Forms.  Examples of these forms and how they function follow:

Menu Form (example: Main Menu)

The Menu form is essentially a table of contents that directs the user to various forms and operations.  VEM Menus generally consist of up to three columns of navigation buttons with descriptive labels.  Click on the navigation button to open the associated form or report.

Main Menu

Record Form (example:  Task Description)

Data entry is accomplished using the Record form.  A record form will contain text boxes for data fields with accompanying, descriptive labels.  The form also will contain command buttons for erasing, saving and printing the current record.

Datasets can be “surfed” using the PREVIOUS and NEXT buttons in the footer of the Record form, but an easier approach to scanning potentially large numbers of records uses the List form (described below).

Task Description Form

List Form (example:  Hazardous Waste Tank  Inspections List)

The List form contains summary information about all or selected records in a dataset, with buttons to open the Record form containing the complete, linked record. 

The footer of the List form usually contains command buttons offering options for printing summary information for some or all records in the data set.

HW Tank Inspections List

Pop-up Form (examples: Daily Task Planner, Overdue Task Alert)

Pop-up forms perform specific, unique operations, and so may not follow the format conventions described above.

A typical Pop-up form may prompt the User for specific information in order to return a custom report, or to redirect the User to an alternate form. Other Pop-up forms, like the Overdue Task Alert, provide warnings or notices. 

Pop-up forms will remain front and center on the screen until the User provides a required response or closes the form.

Daily Task PlannerOverdue Task Alert

In addition to these general form types, VEM contains a few specialized forms, such as the Calendar form and in some applications custom forms for specific users.  The Calendar form (with the accompanying Overdue Task Alert pop-up form shown above) is discussed in greater detail later in this user guide.

Icon Conventions

Icons identify many of the command buttons present on VEM forms.  While some command buttons are labeled with text that describes its function, standard command buttons contain icons (although they may be accompanied by a descriptive label).  Absent an explanatory label, graphic icons follow these conventions for use:

COMMAND BUTTON ICON

USAGE

Quit Application

The STOP sign always exits and CLOSES the VEM program.

Exit (Hand)

Exit (Door)

The EXIT door (or pointing finger) closes the current form.

Add Task (Memo)

The MEMO icon opens a form for data entry; it is used exclusively to open the TASK DESCRIPTION form from inspection, audit and monitoring forms for scheduling a corrective action.

Save (Write to Disc)

Save (Check)

Save (Disc)

Save (Book)

Located within the body of a record form, buttons with these SAVE icons save the current record into the dataset.

Add Record (Arrow)

Add Record (Pencil)

Add Record (Plus Form)

Add Record (Plus Sign)

Located within the body of a record form, buttons with these SAVE/ADD icons save the current record into the dataset and move to a blank form to add another record.  Located in the footer of a record form, the ADD icon opens a blank form without saving the current record.

Erase (Rewrite)

Erase (Go Back)

Erase (Eraser)

Erase (Rubbish)

Located within the body of a record form, buttons with these ERASE icons clear the current record if it has not already been saved into the dataset.

Previous (Arrow)

Next (Arrow)

Located in the footer of a record form, the PREVIOUS and NEXT icons move through records in the dataset (where permitted).

Printer Icon

Located within the body of a record form, the button with the PRINT icon prints the current record.  Located in the footer of a list form, the PRINT icon prints a summary of records in the dataset.

Edit (Pen and Paper)

Edit (Data Form)

Edit (Review Form)

Edit (Examination)

Edit (Booklet)

The VIEW/EDIT icons direct the user to a record opened in a form different than the current form.  Within a list form, the VIEW/EDIT icon typically points to the associated record form.  Located in a form footer, the VIEW/EDIT icon points to a record form for a separate dataset.