I'm currently working on a part of our application in which the user edits a document. Part of the application allows the user to input certain "parts." We've implemented this as a couple of drop down buttons; however, this can be frustrating to users, as the list of parts is commonly so long that it goes off screen (and the arrows on the top & bottom are not easy to use). I'm looking for a better replacement for this control. We were considering a "Choose Part" button which opens a new dialog...but we're not quite sure what to put in the dialog, or if the dialog is the best option at all.
Some important points:
- The "parts" have unique names
- The target user is a salesman or equivalent, and we'd like to make the process as easy as possible (which is why the current dropdown with arrows isn't the greatest)
- The list of "parts" must be loaded (complete with a dialog prompting the user for certain details). Currently we do that upon first click of the button.
Has anyone ever come across a similar problem or a solution which works better? I'd appreciate input.
Screenshots for clarity (note that this isn't the real application; it's a mockup of the specific problem)
Application:
Short List:
Long List: