Technical > Navigation |
Turning Spreadsheets into fully functional software really isn't overly difficult after you make a mental shift. You need to get out of the hang of thinking like a spreadsheet user and/or a spreadsheet developer and more into the mode of thinking like a business system user and/or a database oriented, full stack developer.
One of the most critical aspects to a web based business system or any business system is "navigation" (menus)
Unfortunately, spreadsheets in general and google sheets specifically lacks in this area because it was not originally designed for such a formal software use. BUT we can do some things that give us an "okay" feel for now and we can express desire for some small and big changes that would make it better.
NOTE: I use the term "tabs", "worksheets" and "sheets" interchangeable sometimes. Workbook is the proper reference for an entire file, and I don't mix that with these.
One of the most critical aspects to a web based business system or any business system is "navigation" (menus)
- Navigation should always be in view and it should stay in the same place as a user navigates the system. Words and lists are better than images, as we all have way too many images to try to recognize these days.
- A user should be able to quickly and easily get a feel for an entire software package via its navigation
- Sub Navigation should be in generally the same location on every page when possible
- My favorite navigation for business systems is left side navigation with expandable modules. A menu across the top can be used to change left side navigation in really big systems but not typically required.
Unfortunately, spreadsheets in general and google sheets specifically lacks in this area because it was not originally designed for such a formal software use. BUT we can do some things that give us an "okay" feel for now and we can express desire for some small and big changes that would make it better.
NOTE: I use the term "tabs", "worksheets" and "sheets" interchangeable sometimes. Workbook is the proper reference for an entire file, and I don't mix that with these.