To start, let's define some terms:
Modal
A simplistic user dialog the platform presents as information to the user, and may optionally collect simple user feedback, such as "accept" vs. "cancel", as provided by the platform.
Overpanel
A complex user dialog which loads a tecton extension which is intended as an overlay style workflow, the function of which is provided by the extension developer.
Use Modals for purposes such as:
- The application needs to display information in the basic forms available to the platform's modal interface. These generally consist of a simple message or list of messages, and/or a list of basic information about events such as transactions.
- The application needs to collect a simple choice from a user via the use of buttons signifying the user's choice.
- Examples:
- A dialog to confirm or cancel a transaction prior to submitting it
- A dialog that asks the user a question with up to 3 possible answers, such as a warning which asks before closing a workflow if the user would like to save, "close" without "saving," or "cancel."
Use Overpanels for purposes such as:
- A complex workflow requiring user input beyond just "what button was pressed" (eg. user text / number / date input)
- Custom presentation of data beyond what is provided by the platform
- Buttons that deliver custom actions, not necessarily closing the overlay
- Examples:
- In a user management extension, pressing the "add user" button launches a custom workflow overlay to do just that
- In the same user management extension, clicking on an existing user launches a custom overlay presenting complex data about that user, even offering edit capability.