Editor’s Corner: How to Write About Expanding Lists

Posted by: Jack Henry | August 1, 2017

Editor’s Corner: How to Write About Expanding Lists

Expandable and collapsible lists allow user interface designers to fit more content on a smaller screen (like a tablet, a phone, or a watch).

These lists don’t have a consistent appearance across all programs. The most common ways to indicate that lists can be expanded or collapsed are with arrows or with plus and minus signs.

Arrows

In Windows® 8 File Explorer, Microsoft® uses different types of arrows to indicate which folders can be expanded and collapsed.

· A blank right-pointing arrow indicates that the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders can be expanded.

· A darkened down-pointing arrow indicates that the This PC folder is already expanded (and can therefore be collapsed).

Tip: Some people call these arrows twisties, but this jargon could confuse readers. I prefer the more descriptive terms used in the Microsoft Manual of Style: “blank right-pointing arrow” and “darkened down-pointing arrow.”

Plus and Minus Signs

In compiled HTML (CHM) files, Microsoft uses plus and minus signs instead of arrows, as in the following screenshot.

Consider Your Audience

When deciding how to describe expandable and collapsible lists, consider your audience.

Experienced computer users will understand an instruction like, “Expand the Documents folder” without being told what to click. It is not necessary to differentiate between arrows, plus and minus signs, and other exotic icons.

Beginners might benefit from a more detailed instruction such as, “Click the blank right-pointing arrow to expand the Documents folder.”

Example (for experienced users): To view additional topics, expand Introducing Windows Media Player.

Example (for beginners): To view additional topics, click the plus sign (+) to expand the Introducing Windows Media Player book.

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Editor's Corner