[For PC applications (desktop and web)]
As a common rule, when showing data grids, and sorting data through one of its columns, a little arrow appears on that column (sometimes also, the header column back color is changed), but is it enough?.
What about a full screen data grid, and sorted data, a user wants to know, where did that sorting comes from?. Is there any really significant difference between:
Only showing the little arrow:
and...
Changing the background color of the 'set data order' column
This way the user will know, instantaneously, that there's something special with that column, it sets the data general sorting.
That's ok, but in this application, each time a new data row is added (happens very often), it appears with a yellow back color (a way to notify users). Then, the grid would be showing too many colors and certainly (I think), it would be somewhat annoying:
Two colors for zebra striping, one for selected row(s), a yellow one for new data added, and another one for the column that sorts.
Is there any other alternatives?
Based on experience, what would be the best to do?