2

For web-application time slots scheduling (slots are of 1-2 different durations 15 minutes-1 hour mostly, not arbitrary, no overlaps), basic CRUD, no drag-n-drop rescheduling, there maybe lots of 20-minute slots during the day, but information is limited to short title, which of the two approaches is better (for week view)?

Basic week view, best illustrated by FullCalendar example, that is, no time-line, height does not reflect duration, imagine past events greyed-out:

https://fullcalendar.io/views/basicWeek/

enter image description here

(event addition - just click on a day)

Or more google-calendar like so-called agenda view:

https://fullcalendar.io/views/agendaWeek/

enter image description here

(event addition - drag-n-release like in google)

This is year 2017, and I noticed, users are more comfortable with google-like option (is it even true?), but it's not general-purpose calendar in question, so is there still place for simpler calendar view or should we leave that behind? Are there any other UX drawbacks in basic calendar except for users' familiarity with google-like calendars?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

I think it's important to understand the purpose of each view.

  • The basic calendar view - This is used to show all the events of the day (or each day of the week). The idea here is to inform the user the events lined up for the day.
    • When to use it? - This is like a grocery list. You list out the things you need to get. So use it to list out the events for the upcoming days.
  • The agenda view - This is used to help the user plan their day. Each event is shown in a timeline so that you can quickly see the overlaps, the free slots and the event line-up.
    • When to use it? - This is like a To-do list. You usually list out the tasks in the order of priority or by time. Use it to plan events for the upcoming days (like meetings)

Hope this answers your question

Improve this answer
2
  • Thanks, this makes sense, however, the usage is not black and white. It's a bit of both: First, planning time slots, then observe the situation, and plan more.
    – Roman Susi
    May 31, 2017 at 12:26
  • True. Usually calendars have both views available to make things flexible. Agenda mostly comes in with Week and Day view. You could have both in your case
    – Shreyas Tripathy
    May 31, 2017 at 12:31

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.