3 Column CRUD layout

Question

At my company we are developing an windows desktop application (WPF) and we are using 3 column as default of our system CRUD's.

In the first column, at the top there is the buttons to add " + " and delete " - ", the list of itens and Save/Cancel new item or modification.

The second column has the attribute list and the third column is the input form of the attribute.

Using this screen'm having a lot usability problems, but could not find any good content with designs of using a 3 columns CRUD.

Any ideias?

Answer 1

Looking at the image, the first thing that is somewhat similar came to my mind was, Windows Registry Editor.

According to me there are 2 changes you could do, they are:

1) Keeping three columns as it is and just removing (replacing) top and below buttons of ADD,DELETE, SAVE & CANCEL.

2) Changing layout to two columns and on double click of attribute from a list, popups the form to fill rather than already utilizing space. - (Better one)

Also you could combine both.

Explanation:

• 1) Remove those buttons and on right click show option to add or delete new ones(Talking about the first column). Like on right-click over "mining_vehicle" show different options like a) Add new b) Rename c) Delete, etc...

It will negate necessary of the buttons like SAVE and CANCEL.

• 2) Also you could try just two columns left one(1st column) as it is but with modifications as mentioned above in 1st point here.

  And for 2nd Column as it is but on double-click or right-click along with option of edit. Which leads to appearance of popup form which currently your 3rd column.

Update:

• "Right click options removes the Add/Delete buttons, but how the user will save/cancel a new Item?"

Ans:

Similarly if user perform right-click on CDH40, user will get same options or whatever you have/want for them.

And for the Name and Value:

• "And you think layout must be with 2 columns or maybe only one? Perhaps only one column the starting layout will be very thin."

  Ans: Also you would notice i just tried to make two columns.

Thank You!