View source for T Layout

{{Short description|Mobile web application layout}}
The '''T-Layout''' is an architectural and design concept for [[web application]]s, specifically tailored to improve the [[user experience]] on mobile devices. It features a horizontally scrollable container divided into three distinct sections, each spanning the full width of the screen, and was developed to optimise space usage and streamline navigation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Future of Mobile Web Design: The Impact of the T Layout |url=https://scalar.usc.edu/works/owerew/the-future-of-mobile-web-design-the-impact-of-the-t-layout |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Witans, University of South California |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Tsinalis |first=Jacob |date=2023-11-02 |title=T Layout: Enhancing Mobile User Experience through Innovative Web Design |url=https://www.academia.edu/112371595 |journal=Academia.edu |access-date=2024-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=T Layout |url=https://e-streetwear.com/experimental-zone/t-layout |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=E}}</ref>
== Background ==
The T-Layout introduces [[horizontal scrolling]] as a complementary method to the conventional pop-up-based [[Website navigation|navigation system]] in mobile web applications.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Dobie |first=Emma |date=2023-10-05 |title=Comprehensive Guide to Implementing the T Layout in Web Applications |url=https://pressbooks.umn.edu/mblog/chapter/a-comprehensive-guide-to-implementing-the-t-layout-in-web-applications/ |journal=Pressbooks, University of Minnesota |language=en |access-date=2024-01-06}}</ref> In this [[Layout (computing)|layout]], the central section which is visible by default upon accessing the application, facilitates the main content of a [[URL|URL address]] and is flanked by two "helper" sections. This approach minimises the need for extensive user movements, in order to reach navigation controls typically located at the top of the screen.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=T Layout: A Review of its Impact on Mobile Web Application Design |url=https://tagteam.harvard.edu/remix/0015 |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=tagteam.harvard.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=T Layout Technical Specifications |url=https://e-streetwear.com/experimental-zone/t-layout-technical-specs |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=E}}</ref>
It is aimed at enhancing the user experience on mobile devices by providing an easier way to access essential content such as the main navigation, [[e-commerce]] related screens, or [[user account]] related information, ensuring that those elements are readily accessible while requiring minimal user effort.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last=Tsinalis |first=Jacob |date=2023 |title=An Overview of the T-Layout in Web Design and Development |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377302439 |journal=ResearchGate |language=en |doi=10.13140/RG.2.2.33773.97764}}</ref>
The T-Layout was first implemented by E (e-streetwear.com) in their mobile web app layout, and it was inspired by the interfaces of well-tested native mobile apps like [[Instagram]] and [[Revolut]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" />
A study titled "Mobile Navigation and User Preferences Survey" indicated a preference among mobile app users for one-handed usage, primarily navigating with their thumb.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Understanding Mobile User Preferences: An Analysis of the Mobile UX Survey - Stanford SpanLabWiki |url=https://web.stanford.edu/group/spanlab/cgi-bin/wiki/index.php?title=Understanding_Mobile_User_Preferences:_An_Analysis_of_the_Mobile_UX_Survey |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=web.stanford.edu}}</ref> These insights led to the T-Layout Experiment, which compared the efficiency of using swipe gestures to access navigational elements against reaching traditional navigation controls.<ref name=":1" />
== Development history ==
It was first released as the mobile layout of E in early 2023. It was originally developed based on six principles: [[User-centered design|user-centric functionality]], lightweight [[File size|filesize]], [[HTML]] and [[CSS]] implementation with minimal or no use of [[JavaScript]] required, suitable both for browser and server-rendering [[Applications architecture|architectures]], intuitive [[Web design|design]], and improved [[Search engine optimization|SEO]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" />
The development of the T-Layout was driven by the necessity for more ergonomic and user-friendly interfaces in mobile web applications. Its design, reminiscent of the letter 'T', emerged as a solution to several [[usability]] challenges mobile device users face, emphasising ease of access and efficient screen space utilisation.<ref name=":0" />
In July 2023, E formalised the concept and its [[Specification (technical standard)|technical specifications]], introducing it to the web design and development community.<ref name=":5" />
In October 2023 the "Mobile Navigation and User Preferences Survey" was conducted, establishing that the vast majority of individuals prefer to use mobile applications by holding the phone in a one-handed grip, utilising only the thumb for gestures when possible.<ref name=":4" />
The subsequent "T-Layout Experiment", designed to measure the time in seconds and the distance (user effort) in pixels, required to access navigational [[HTML element|elements]] by traditionally tapping on fixed-positioned controls compared to swiping anywhere on the screen. The results proved that swipe gestures require less time and much less effort.<ref name=":1" />
== Styling and features ==
The main characteristic of the T-Layout is its horizontal scrolling feature, which can improve navigation efficiency while preserving the functionality of traditionally structured [[user interface]]s.<ref name=":3" />
Its Implementation can be achieved with a combination of HTML and styling with CSS as well as precompiled [[Sass (stylesheet language)|Scss]] and [[Sass (stylesheet language)|Sass]], [[CSS-in-JS]], and [[JSX (JavaScript)|styled JSX]]. It can be either a purely HTML/CSS solution but JavaScript can be utilised as well to add more specific functionalities, while It can be implemented to both existing and new applications. Its application in [[Server-side scripting|server-side rendering]] architectures will ensure that all its underlying principles apply.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" />
Although principally each section in the layout has a distinct role and facilitates specific types of content, the T-Layout as a concept is versatile, and it is adaptable allowing modifications in the layout or how it's implemented to cater to the specific needs of different applications.<ref name=":4" />
== See also ==
{| style="width:100%"
|
* [[Design thinking]]
* [[Interaction design]]
|
* [[Look and feel]]
* [[Mobile interaction]]
|
* [[Principles of user interface design]]
* [[User-centered design]]
|}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* [https://e-streetwear.com/experimental-zone/t-layout-experiment The T Layout Experiment]. ''E.'' Retrieved 2024-01-06.
* [https://e-streetwear.com/experimental-zone/mobile-ux-preferences-survey Mobile UX Preferences Survey]. ''E.'' Retrieved 2024-01-06.
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{{User interfaces}}
{{Design}}
{{Visualization}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:T Layout}}
[[Category:Responsive web design]]
[[Category:Web applications]]
[[Category:Web development]]
[[Category:Mobile web]]
[[Category:Usability]]
[[Category:User interfaces|Design]]
[[Category:Information architecture]]
[[Category:Design]]
[[Category:Human–computer interaction]]
[[Category:Web design]]
[[Category:Communication design]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2010]]