What are tabs used for and what's the difference with Ribbons

Question

I was designing an interface which was a popup showing a document (pdf) and right below its metadata (user who scanned it, doc name, doc-relative metadata, etc).

Since I was tasked to make an Editor for that metadata, I came up with tabs, one was called Document View, and the other Edit metadata.

My boss didn't like it, because he says that it was not good looking, that it was confusing because tabs were "actions", so I ended with a slideUp() of metadata and then slideDown() of the editor on Edit button click.

Can someone tell me if my boss was indeed right and what is the difference with MS Word Ribbons (for example).

Thanks!

Answer 1

1. Was your boss right to say that tabs are "actions". No. Tabs are UI elements that do not carry out any action other than to switch between UI views. From MSDN: "Tab controls represent the tabbed manila folders used to organize information in filing cabinets commonly found in the United States." Example:

2. What is the difference with ribbons? again, according to MSDN: Ribbons are the modern way to help users find, understand, and use commands efficiently and directly.

To decide what to use, have a look at the following MSDN articles, especailly the "is this the right control" sections:

Tab Control

Ribbon Control