Three-pane interface
Encyclopedia
A Three-pane interface is a category of graphical user interface
in which the screen
or window
is divided into three panes displaying information. This information typically falls into a hierarchal relationship of master-detail
with an embedded inspector window
. Microsoft's Outlook Express
email client popularized a mailboxes / mailbox contents / email text layout that became the norm until web-based user interfaces rose in popularity during the mid 2000s.
Graphical user interface
In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...
in which the screen
Screen
- Separation or partitioning :* Window screen, a wire mesh that covers a window opening* Fire screen, a device to put in front of a fireplace* Windbreak of trees or shrubs* Windshield , protects the driver of a vehicle...
or window
Window
A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which...
is divided into three panes displaying information. This information typically falls into a hierarchal relationship of master-detail
Master-detail
In computer user interface design, a master–detail interface displays a master list and the details for the currently selected item.A master area can be a form, list or tree of items, and a detail area can be a form, list or tree of items typically placed either below or next to the master area...
with an embedded inspector window
Inspector window
An inspector window is a type of computing window that shows current parameters of a selected object and allows these parameters to be changed on-the-fly...
. Microsoft's Outlook Express
Outlook Express
Outlook Express is an email and news client that is included with Internet Explorer versions 4.0 through 6.0. As such, it is also bundled with several versions of Microsoft Windows, from Windows 98 to Windows Server 2003, and is available for Windows 3.x, Windows NT 3.51, Windows 95 and Mac OS 9...
email client popularized a mailboxes / mailbox contents / email text layout that became the norm until web-based user interfaces rose in popularity during the mid 2000s.