[IxDA Discuss] [Design Patterns] Save and Cancel

[Alexander Baxevanis]

On Feb 6, 2008 12:42 PM, W Evans <wkevans4 at gmail.com> wrote:
> For modal (and modeless) windows, pop-ups, and "lightbox" ajaxed pop-ups,
> after a person has performed certain tasks, there are two options - commit
> those changes or cancel the dialog window. What order is best? Mac OS X
> orders them as Cancel |  Save, whereas many windows and web applications
> have them as Save | Cancel.

Actually there is 3rd option: apply the settings immediately, get rid
of the 'save' option and provide only a button to close the dialog or
go back. I think this is the best option unless the change has got
deep, irreversible effects, or there are a group of settings to apply
at the same time.

Many of the system preferences in Macs behave in such way, see for example:

http://www.appleinsider.com/print.php?id=3343

But at the same time, the Network Preferences pane has an apply
button, because changing these settings may result in something highly
undesirable (e.g. disconnecting from the network) and there is usually
a group of settings (IP, netmask, DNS etc.) that are frequently
changed as a group.

I don't have a good idea about the original question (about the button
order), but thought I'd bring in this alternative for the sake of
completeness.

Regards,
Alex