In our Android application we have a list view of items. The items can be members of two different groups, Group 1 and Group 2, but can also be without group. To filter the list to show the items in a specific group we use a segment control, one segment for showing All, one for Group 1 and one for Group 2.
download bmml source – Wireframes created with Balsamiq Mockups
Now we want to add a third group, Group 3, and the width is becoming a bit stressed. To be honest, the third group will not fit in this structure at all on the smaller screen models.
I am looking for a temporary quick solution for this problem. The idea to include a side bar to specify filtering is already in the pipeline, but it will be some time before we can release a version with this included, and the new group must be visible as soon as possible.
Therefore, I have an idea of adjusting the segment control, enabling a null selection instead of the All filter. That would open up a free space and the new filter group could be included. Problem is though that I'm finding it hard to argument for this solution, mainly because I have not seen it practised elsewhere as I can remember. I have thought about having the segment control scrollable, similar to that of the top shortcut bar in the Android notification view, though that sounds like a more expensive solution.
The segment control is in essence an evolved radio button group/tab control, and making it possible to deselect a tab/button is at first thought not a very attractive idea I admit.
I am looking for feedback on this idea, references to similar solutions, or another cheap solution that would fit into this context.