Poll: What do you call that thing on your computer screen?

[wshaffer]

So, I had an interesting conversation with a coworker on Friday, in which we spoke at cross purposes for a couple of minutes, because we had a completely different understanding of common terms for user-interface elements in software. And now I'm curious about whether these terms just aren't as standard as I assumed they were. So, if you'll indulge me in an entirely non-scientific poll...


[Poll #1302174]

Comments

[14cyclenotes.livejournal.com]

I'd call the larger unit the Info tab of the Track 01 dialog box. My preference would be to call the smaller unit a field, but I could also go with text box. I tend to use "field" when referring to one of several data-entry points in a single UI element, and "text box" when referring to a data-entry point when there's only one or two of them.

Also, "field" is the more general term. It can include drop-down menus, for example, as well as text boxes.

When in doubt, though, I let the users referee. I almost always call a UI element whatever most of my users call it, unless I don't know that information or there's good reason to do otherwise.