Object Badges and Annotations

Badges and annotations convey information about an object, for example, its state.

Badges

A badge is a small image that overlays the lower-right corner of the object icon.

             

  • See the Icon Badges for a list of standard badges.
  • Use the badge throughout the UI except in the following places:
    • In the title bar of dialog boxes and wizards
    • In the Recent Tasks portlet or in the Task Console, which displays historical information.  Showing the current status might contradict the historical information and confuse the user.
  • Use only one badge per icon.  If an object has both state and status:
    • If the status of the object is normal, use the state badge (for example, "Power On" or "Suspended") or no badge (if the object is powered off).
    • If the status is abnormal (warning, alert, needs input, or unknown), use the status badge.
  • Find ways to convey state and status in addition to the badge.

    This example shows a status column in a datagrid.  A benefit of showing status in a datagrid is that users can filter the objects based on this information.

Annotations

An annotation is a text string appended to an object name, for example, (Disconnected) or (Not Responding).

  • Display the annotation when the object appears in the Navigator or in a datagrid.
  • Don't show the annotation:
    • In the title bar of the main content area, dialogs, and the Actions menu. 
    • In a portlet
  • Use title capitalization, for example, (Not Responding).

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