Shellforms

Shellforms are a conceptual framework used in user interface design and software development to describe the visual structure and behavior of interactive elements. They represent a way to organize and present information to users, often acting as containers for other interface components. The term "shell" implies an outer layer or boundary, within which the actual content or functionality resides. This outer layer provides a consistent and predictable environment for the user's interaction.

In practice, shellforms can manifest in various ways. They might be seen as windows in a desktop application, providing a frame with title bars, menus, and scrollbars. In web development, they could correspond to the overall layout of a webpage, including navigation bars, sidebars, and footers, enclosing the main content area. Mobile applications often use shellforms to present full-screen views with navigation elements at the top or bottom.

The key idea behind shellforms is to separate the presentation and management of the user interface from the underlying data or business logic. This separation allows for greater flexibility and maintainability. Developers can modify the shellform without altering the core functionality, and vice versa. Furthermore, it promotes consistency in user experience across different parts of an application or even across multiple applications from the same developer. The shellform provides a familiar context, guiding the user's interaction with the content it contains.