filtering

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Filtering pattern definition

Filtering is the mechanism by which a user adds or removes data items from a displayed data set by turning on and off certain predefined attributes. Filtering allows users to trim down visible items when working through large data sets.

Single selection filter usage

Use a single-selection filter when the user can pick only one attribute to modify data results. Single selection behaves like a radio button under the hood. Types of single-selection filters include: basic dropdown, inline dropdown, and radio button set (either standalone or within a menu).

Multiselect filter usage

Use a multiselect filter when the user has the option to pick more than one attribute to modify the data results. Multiselects behave like checkboxes under the hood. Types of multiselect filters include: multiselect dropdown, inline multiselect dropdown, and checkbox set (either standalone or within a menu).

Multiple filter categories placement

Multiple category selection is usually placed vertically on the left side of the page or horizontally at the top of the data set. Multiple categories should never be put within a menu or dropdown.

Batch filter usage

Use a batch filter when all filters are applied together at the end of the selection process. The data set only refreshes once at user action, with the trigger most commonly being an 'Apply filters' button. Batch filtering works best when the user is making several filtering selections across different categories that may take longer to mentally process, or when data-return speeds are slow, preventing the user from waiting for data to load after every selection.

Instant filter updates usage

Instant filter updates return results after each individual selection is made. The trigger is the individual selection and the filter manipulates the data in real time. This is a good solution for when the user is only selecting from one category or the user is expected to only make one filter selection.

Filter starting states

Filters within each category should start either as all unselected or all selected. When using multiple categories, the start state can vary from category to category. If the user typically wants only one or a few criteria to be excluded from the results, then all filters should be selected at the start. If the user typically wants to see only results related to one particular criteria, then all filters should start as unselected.

Filter applied indicator

If filters can be hidden in either a drawer, dropdown, or menu, then there should be an indicator visible on the closed filter state that informs the user that filters have been applied. At a minimum, the indicator should include the number of filters applied and have the option to clear filters without re-opening the filter container.

Filter reset functionality

Each category should have a way to clear all applied filters at once without having to interact with each individual item. Clearing filters returns the filters to their original default starting state. If multiple categories have been applied to the same data set then there should also be a way to dismiss all filters across all categories at once.

Filter selection methods table

Filter selection methods and their descriptions: Single selection - The user can pick only one attribute to modify data results. Multiselection - The user has the option to pick more than one attribute to modify data results. Multiple categories - The user has the option to select attributes across multiple data categories. Multiple filters with batch updates - The user selects multiple filters and then takes an additional action to apply the filters. Multiple filters with instant updates - The data is updated as the user selects each filter.

Filter category definition

A category is a set of filter items within the same topic. For example, 'size' is a category and small, medium, large, and extra large are its filter choices. Multiple filter categories may be applied to the same data set, such as filtering by size, color, and price range simultaneously.

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