Description

The modules start page is the introductory and welcome page of all creation module tools. This floorplan offers a consistent starting point for creation workflows belonging to that tool, from which users can create new files or browse existing ones.

This floorplan is one of the defining characteristics of the modules framework.

Usage

• You need a consistent start page for a creation module.
• You are not going to use it as the first page of a creation module.
• You have an action (functional) module, or a non-module tool.

Anatomy

• Product Shell, required
• Page Header; required
  The header area contains the name of the module, a welcome message, and states the value and purpose of the tool. The page header may also contain an optional tab bar for sub object files that have their own creation tiles and recent file tables.
• Creation Tiles; required
  A set of tiles for creating new content – varying according to the module tool and its workflow. Creation tiles may also include starting options from a blank state or a pre-made configuration, such as templates.
• Recent Files; required
  Table containing the 25 files most recently worked on using that module tool. All other files can be found in the central file repository.

Behavior & Interactions

Contextual help

Click on the "Learn More…" link in the page header to open the help center dialog, where relevant learning materials for that module tool can be accessed contextually.

Responsive Behavior

The module start page behaves responsively according to the space available when resizing the browser screen. The Recent Files table uses a UI5 table that has the proper behavior built in. If a custom table is used instead of the UI5 table, please ensure these responsive behaviors are honored.

Best Practices

Group related objects into the same module tool

Use a tabbed header to provide a convenient access to different, but related, object files belonging to the same tool. For example, the tool in the SAP Analytics Cloud houses related objects under the same tool instead of creating individual module tools for each one of them; such as:

• Models
• Public Dimensions
• Currency Conversions
• Points of Interests

It makes sense to place public dimensions, currency conversions, and points of interests in the Modeler tool because each of those objects files are used to build a model — even though they require independent object files of their own, and their own options for starting new files.

Provide multiple options to start

Use the creation tiles to give the user multiple options for starting a new file. These options can make a workflow less rigid and allow users a higher degree of flexibility with how they will interact with a module tool.

Options could include different starting points for the same file type, or different types of files within the same creation module. For example:

• Starting from a blank or empty state
• Starting from different page or object types
• Starting from other files
• Starting from templates

Display the most recent 25 files

The module intro pages displays the most recently accessed files for that module tool – not all files ever created by it. All saved files from that module tool are stored in the central file repository, where additional security and file management features enhance the content strategy experience of a product. As such, do not save files to a module's intro screen, and avoid showing more than 25 files at a time.

Onboard and support

Think of the start page as a place to onboard users to a new tool they may have never used before. Ensure the page and its contents work together to guide the user through an unfamiliar space and workflow. The page header should have a name and a clear description of how its object files relate to the rest of the application.

Organize creation tiles by the most popular option first, followed by more unique or technical options. Ideally, the tiles should inform the suggested order or progression of the main workflow executed by the module. Where possible, offer ready-made templates to speed up the user’s flow, and ensure the Learn More link in the header can provide more support.

Specifications

Accessibility

Learn about accessibility for start pages in the Modules Framework pattern guidelines.