Re: [Usability] List View Column Header Sorting

[Thorsten Wilms <t_w_ freenet de>]

Following the criticism, here's a number of variations on 
indicating multiple selection order without column reordering:

http://thorwil.affenbande.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/header_04.png

In this example, no sorting can happen on size and date (filenames, 
having to be unique in every folder, are a terminator). So I left 
out any indicator there. The alternative would be a disabled state 
(grayed-out).

One way the interaction could work:
- Clicking any column header makes that column the primary for
sorting.
- If it is already the primary, sorting direction is reversed. 
- Columns loosing primary status keep their sorting direction.
- Sorting is applied in sequence of column selection.

A variation on this would make the direction indicators  
separate target areas, allowing to change direction without 
changing sequence. (Ruling out the last variation on the mockup)


-- 
Thorsten Wilms