Indicates location, without a jump to feature, or a pagination control per se. Dot indicators are this, for example. Note comparison to Scroll and how scrollbars and thumbnails are special cases, considered in detail there, which see. NOTE in the pattern that this is not usually an access method, just an indicator that other patterns are used to get access, like Home page Slideshow style.

Compare Hero200 and Galaxy. Sliding bar vs. transitioning dot. Do not just indicate, but actually show movement, to make it clear what is being shown off.

Indicator can disappear when not actively moving, but can be confusing, so often should always be there...

Problem

Location within a series of screens with alternate or continuing display of a set of content should be clearly communicated.

Solution

When several screens of similar or continuous information are presented with an organic access method, an indicator is usually required so the user understands their position within the system. Two very common uses for this widget are the Slideshow and Film Strip'] patterns. These each have the inter-frame interaction integrated with the basic pattern.

This overlaps heavily with the Pagination widget, to the degree where it may be unclear which is being applied.

Variations

Sub-pagination - 1 of 3

Dot indicators (need a generic term) - good for the Film Strip pattern, as on home pages especially

Bars (like dots, but on a bar... looks like a scrollbar, but jumps to positions for individual screens); same as the dot, but looks different. So, not a variation?

Interaction Details

Presentation Details

Antipatterns

Examples