Problem

The status of hardware features such as battery level and network connections must be able to be discovered by the user with no effort.

Solution

A bar is displayed along the top of every screen with a series of iconic representations of the status of the device. Common representations and placement of icons are used, so users can understand the key indicators on any device without familiarity with the specific device.

Variations

The Annunicator Row is present on all screens. It may only disappear or be of lower prominence when other controls disappear as for full-screen gameplay or video playback.

If the device operates very seamlessly, and has very reliable connectivity (or losses are generally not critical) and long battery life (ePaper devices, and plugged in items like some kiosks or CE devices) then the Annunciator Row may not be needed, and this may be solved with the Notification Area repurposed to display such information when it becomes critical instead. See that pattern for details on this functionality.

Interaction Details

Ideally, when space provides, and on touch especially, may provide access to the settings and/or to view more details.

Else nothing. Doesn't do anything, just displays.

Presentation Details

Bar at the top of the screen. No where else. It's where it's expected...

Items are grouped by basic functionality. A conventional order has arisen, from left to right:

The time of day (and sometimes the date) is also present, but may be in any of several places. The most common is centered, followed by right aligned.

Naturally, features not included with the device are not given space in the display. Some items may share space, and the highest priority feature or the one with the most important message is displayed.

Items are displayed by icon only, whenever possible. Use words only when needed. Refer to my battery blog post about this iconic representation of info... DISPLAY STATUS! NOT JUST THERE, BUT THEY SAY SOMETHING...

Antipatterns

Don't let it change all the time. One layout, one size, one type of icon

Except when notifying of special conditions in places where the rest of the bar is suppressed (e.g. battery on a camera screen), do not pick and choose which items to show. Always show the same set in the same manner.

Examples