Design Principle
Drag and drop is useful direct manipulation, but sorting, moving, and upload need non-drag alternatives.
Principle Drag and drop is useful direct manipulation, but sorting, moving, and upload need non-drag alternatives.
Design action Provide buttons, menus, or keyboard movement as alternatives; show drop zones, order changes, and completion feedback.
Examples Positive example: Boards, list sorting, file upload, layout editors, and component assembly move objects directly. Counterexample: Drag is the only operation path.
Apply when Boards, list sorting, file upload, layout editors, and component assembly move objects directly. Users need to judge state, scope, risk, or next action quickly.
Source notes Source note: Synthesized from Apple HIG, Material Design, GOV.UK/Polaris/Atlassian component practices, and interaction accessibility principles.
Agent Directive
Provide buttons, menus, or keyboard movement as alternatives; show drop zones, order changes, and completion feedback.