• Use an object cell to preview information about an item in a list format. 

• Don’t use an object cell to compare attributes from different list items. Use a data table instead. 

Anatomy

An object cell may contain text labels, images, or icons each with a specific purpose. These content types are structured in the following way and can be reconfigured, added or removed: 

A. Container

The container holds all content types. The container height depends on the height of the tallest vertical element while the container width is defined by the view.

B. Numeric Label (Optional)

The numeric label (formerly the icon stack) is used to represent object cells in a numerical sequence. If used, the numeric label should display on all object cells within a list. The numeric label may also display icons below the numeric label. These icons may be used to indicate various aspects of the object.

C. Image (Optional)

An image provides a visual representation of the object within a 40dp frame. The image may have a square or circular frame depending on the type of object that the object cell represents. If the object cell represents a user, use a circular frame. If the object cell represents an object, use a squared frame.

D. Title Area

The title area is used to place the main text content related to the object. The title area is limited to 3 lines of text, (title, subtitle, and caption) and is the only mandatory content for the object cell.

E. Tags (Optional)

Tags are identifiers that can be added to objects such as categories, groupings, or categorizations. Tags should be concise. When using Tags, please maintain wording to a maximum of two words.

F. Avatar Row (Optional)

Avatar Row is a collection of inline user images that indicate a group of users associated with the object. Use Avatar Row to indicate users in a meeting, users assigned to a task, or users in a message thread.

G. Description (Optional)

A description is used to provide supplementary information relating to the object. The description label can wrap up to 3 lines and will truncate after that.

H. Attribute (Optional)

An attribute is a vertically stacked arrangement consisting of labels and/or icon types that are displayed towards the right. The icons or labels can be used to indicate a condition of the item such as its priority or status.

I. Actions Area (Optional)

An actions area is used to place secondary actions in addition to the primary act of drilling down. Secondary actions include but are not limited to Information disclosure, Download, or a More menu.

Behavior and Interaction

The following are behaviors found throughout all object cells. These behaviors can be enabled or disabled depending on the app’s needs.

Drill-down

As the most basic interaction model, the object cell uses drill down to navigate to another page.

Selection Mode

The selection mode is activated via the edit icon and allows users to select multiple or all object cells within a list. When in selection mode, a checkbox control will transition from the left side of the screen while the default app bar actions transform into actions relevant to the user’s task.

Swipe

Secondary actions can also be hidden and are activated by either swiping left or right. Different types of actions can be determined by an app’s needs such as delete, mark as favorite, pin, or archive.

Adaptive Design

The object cell is supported in both mobile and tablet devices. All content types are supported in both device sizes (i.e. Description is now supported in mobile).

Variations

Different variations of the object cell can be created by reconfiguring different content types. Moving in this modular approach allows it to cover simple as well as complex requirements.

Navigation

As the most basic configuration, this variation’s primary function is to navigate to a specific page. This variation consists only of the container and the title area.

Preview

The most common variation is used to preview information of an object and navigate to view the entirety of the object, usually as an object page. This variation consists of but is not limited to a container, image, title area, and description. 

Contact

The contact variation is similar to the preview variation but provides quick access to various methods of communicating with a contact. This variation consists of but is not limited to a container, image, title area, and actions.

Control

The control variation displays information and controls. This variation consists of a container, text area, and control. The controls that can be used in this variation are a radio button and a checkbox.