I'm making a web app and in the admin panel there is in one place a list of items where (among other things) the administrator can select which items will be mandatory for the users, and which will be optional. I can't come up with a good visual way of representing this. Ideally I'd like a little icon next to the item name, but I cannot imagine icons that would intuitively represent the concepts of "mandatory" and "optional". Any suggestions?
-
@BenBrocka - Sorry to revert, but I feel that your modification to the title doesn't represent the question and confuses users (I've already got two new answers that missed the mark). :(– Vilx-May 22, 2012 at 14:45
-
3I made the edit because "what icon should I use" isn't really on topic while "how can I represent" generally is...– Ben BrockaMay 22, 2012 at 14:57
Add a comment
|
2 Answers
For passive display, an asterisk behind the field label has become the common indicator for required fields. It's fine for an administrative interface, too, though I would keep the notification:
Name *
Age *
Fetish
SSN*fields are required
For modifying that, A list of fields, with a checkbox column "required" seems straightforward (if a bit dull).
I'd also put the explanation of the indicator before the fields, so instead of
Name *
Age *
Fetish
SSN
* fields are required
I would do...
*fields are required
Name *
Age *
Fetish
SSN
This ensures that when the user encounters the indicator, they already know what it means. It's also good practice for users browsing with assistive technologies such as screen readers (although that may not be a consideration here, it's still worth noting)
-
1The question is about the admin interface where you specify which items are mandatory, not how to display it to the users. That, and it's over a year old already. :)– Vilx-May 22, 2012 at 14:43