# Single setting

Required by pattern Explorable interface
May require patterns Menubar, Toolbar, Palette, Goal-oriented areas

 ...one form of Explorable Interface involves applications or subsystems that support a _single conceptual focus_. These packages, such as simple word processors, text editors, paint programs, forms entry systems and terminal emulators, are focused on performing one basic task well. The focus is usually on the manipulation of a certain contextual type of task or data.

==> Single conceptual focus applications must not distract the user with unnecessary interface artifacts. <==

In a single concept application, lots of busy satellite windows can distract the user from the current task. These windows can draw the user's attention away from that basic task and break his train of thought.

Users want to focus on the problem at hand. Other windows should not physically get in the way of the data being focused on. Loss of focus can lead to catastrophic situations.

Consider a user whose primary task is to track enemy planes by observing and reacting to data displayed in a radar window. The user must maintain focus on this window. Any other windows displayed must support this task and not obscure the radar display. An example supporting window can be one that shows additional data on the capabilities of a plane being tracked. If this window obscures the radar display, the user cannot continue to track the location of the planes until it is dismissed.

Therefore:

==> Choose a primary setting for the focus and don't let it be obscured by supporting agents such as toolbars, palettes and other windows. These agents are scenery for the primary thread of interaction. It is imperative that single concept applications always keep you in the context of the data being manipulated. <==

A single setting is the opposite of the theatrical term multiple settings. A single setting is focused on one particular thread of action occuring on the stage. It is here that all of the audience's attention is drawn. There is no additional action going on outside of the main dialogue. The scenery is supportive, not distracting.

Simple paint programs, such as Microsoft's Paint, are examples of a single setting. Your focus is on the painting at hand. All the other icons and the palette exist as scenery; the selected tool is an agent. All work together to present a single setting.

Even in more modern paint programs, such as Fractal Design Painter, although there are palette and tool windows that can overlap the painting canvas, the focus on the painting at hand remains. Additional canvas windows represent their own single settings. You focus on one canvas at a time. A canvas used as a clipboard is just another agent for the target canvas.

In most window based systems, this type of application almost always require a master Menubar and a Goal-oriented area. In addition, since the application will be the center of attention, complement it with a rich assortment of Toolbar and Palette components (where applicable)...