Interactive States

Interactive States add dynamic visual feedback by adjusting the panel's appearance in response to user actions such as hovering, clicking, or disabling.

Overview

The Interactive States feature of the SiticoneAdvancedPanel control provides state-based styling for user interactions. Developers can define different background and border colors for hover, active, and disabled states, ensuring that the panel communicates its status clearly to users.


Property Details

Property Name
Description
Data Type
Default Value

EnableStateStyles

Enables state-based styling for interactive feedback.

bool

false

HoverBackColor

Sets the background color when the mouse hovers over the panel.

Color

Empty (none)

HoverBorderColor

Sets the border color when the mouse hovers over the panel.

Color

Empty (none)

ActiveBackColor

Sets the background color when the panel is active or clicked.

Color

Empty (none)

ActiveBorderColor

Sets the border color when the panel is active or clicked.

Color

Empty (none)

DisabledBackColor

Defines the background color when the panel is disabled.

Color

Empty (none)

DisabledBorderColor

Defines the border color when the panel is disabled.

Color

Empty (none)


Code Examples

Basic Interactive States Configuration

This example demonstrates how to enable interactive state styling and set distinct colors for hover and active states.

using System;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Windows.Forms;
using SiticoneNetFrameworkUI;

namespace DemoApp
{
    public class MainForm : Form
    {
        public MainForm()
        {
            // Create an instance of SiticoneAdvancedPanel with interactive state styling enabled
            var interactivePanel = new SiticoneAdvancedPanel
            {
                EnableStateStyles = true,
                HoverBackColor = Color.LightBlue,
                HoverBorderColor = Color.Blue,
                ActiveBackColor = Color.LightGreen,
                ActiveBorderColor = Color.Green,
                DisabledBackColor = Color.Gray,
                DisabledBorderColor = Color.DarkGray,
                BorderColor = Color.Black,
                BorderWidth = 2f,
                TopLeftRadius = 10,
                TopRightRadius = 10,
                BottomLeftRadius = 10,
                BottomRightRadius = 10,
                Size = new Size(300, 200),
                Location = new Point(50, 50),
                BackColor = Color.White
            };

            // Optionally disable the panel to see the disabled state styling
            // interactivePanel.Enabled = false;

            Controls.Add(interactivePanel);
        }

        [STAThread]
        public static void Main()
        {
            Application.EnableVisualStyles();
            Application.Run(new MainForm());
        }
    }
}

Dynamic State Changes

In this sample, state styling properties are modified at runtime to simulate theme changes or user-driven interactions.

// Assume 'interactivePanel' is an instance of SiticoneAdvancedPanel
private void UpdateInteractiveStates(bool isDarkMode)
{
    if (isDarkMode)
    {
        interactivePanel.HoverBackColor = Color.DarkSlateGray;
        interactivePanel.HoverBorderColor = Color.LightGray;
        interactivePanel.ActiveBackColor = Color.DimGray;
        interactivePanel.ActiveBorderColor = Color.White;
        interactivePanel.DisabledBackColor = Color.Black;
        interactivePanel.DisabledBorderColor = Color.Gray;
    }
    else
    {
        interactivePanel.HoverBackColor = Color.LightBlue;
        interactivePanel.HoverBorderColor = Color.Blue;
        interactivePanel.ActiveBackColor = Color.LightGreen;
        interactivePanel.ActiveBorderColor = Color.Green;
        interactivePanel.DisabledBackColor = Color.Gray;
        interactivePanel.DisabledBorderColor = Color.DarkGray;
    }

    interactivePanel.Invalidate(); // Redraw the panel with new state styling
}

Key Points

Aspect
Details

Dynamic Feedback

Changes visual styles based on user interactions (hover, active, disabled) for clear feedback.

Customizable Appearance

Developers can assign distinct colors to the panel's background and border for each state.

Real-time Updates

State changes automatically trigger redrawing via Invalidate(), ensuring immediate feedback.


Best Practices

Recommendation
Explanation

Consistent State Colors

Choose colors for hover, active, and disabled states that complement the overall UI theme.

Test in Various Modes

Ensure the panel appears correctly in all states, especially when dynamically switching themes.

Use Subtle Differences

Avoid overly drastic color changes to maintain a professional, cohesive look.


Common Pitfalls

Pitfall
How to Avoid It

Inconsistent Visual Feedback

Inadequate contrast between state colors can make interactions unclear; choose contrasting colors.

Overcomplicating State Styles

Too many state-specific colors may confuse users; stick to a simple, intuitive palette.

Ignoring Disabled States

Failing to define disabled state colors may lead to unexpected appearance when the panel is not interactive.


Usage Scenarios

Scenario
Description

Interactive Forms

Enhance form panels with visual cues on hover and active states to improve usability.

Dashboard Widgets

Use dynamic state styling to indicate which panels are interactive or currently selected.

Themed Applications

Easily switch state colors when applying different themes (e.g., dark mode vs. light mode).


Review

Review Point
Key Consideration

Flexibility

Interactive States provide granular control over user feedback through customizable styling.

User Engagement

Clear visual feedback on user actions enhances the intuitiveness and responsiveness of the UI.

Seamless Integration

The state-based properties integrate effortlessly with other styling features of the control.


Summary

Interactive States in the SiticoneAdvancedPanel control allow developers to define distinct visual styles for various user interaction scenarios. By specifying separate colors for hover, active, and disabled states, the panel offers immediate, intuitive feedback that enhances the overall user experience.


Additional Sections

Troubleshooting

Issue
Possible Cause
Suggested Solution

Incorrect State Colors

The state properties might not be set or could be overridden by other styling settings.

Ensure EnableStateStyles is true and assign appropriate colors for each state.

Delayed Visual Updates

Changes to state properties might not reflect immediately if Invalidate() is not called.

Explicitly call Invalidate() after updating state properties.


Integration Checklist

Step
Description

Enable State Styles

Set EnableStateStyles to true to activate interactive state styling.

Define State Colors

Configure HoverBackColor, HoverBorderColor, ActiveBackColor, ActiveBorderColor, DisabledBackColor, and DisabledBorderColor.

Test Interaction

Validate that the panel responds correctly on mouse hover, click, and when disabled.

Update Dynamically

Implement runtime changes to state colors if supporting theme or mode switching, and ensure redrawing occurs.


This comprehensive documentation for Interactive States in the SiticoneAdvancedPanel control is designed to help developers implement and fine-tune state-based visual feedback. By following these guidelines and examples, you can create responsive, engaging user interfaces that communicate control status effectively.

Last updated