closedpanel

Closedpanel is a user interface pattern in which a portion of the interface is hidden or collapsed and can be revealed by user action. The term is often used interchangeably with collapsible panel, collapsible section, side panel, or drawer, though exact meaning can vary by platform. The primary purpose is to conserve screen real estate while providing access to tools, settings, or information on demand.

A closedpanel is typically attached to an edge or region of a layout and can be opened by a toggle control such as a button, icon, or handle. It may slide, fold, or fade into view, and its state (open or closed) is usually preserved as users navigate within the interface. In some designs, a panel remains partly visible as a minimized bar when closed.

Implementation and accessibility: closedpanel patterns should be keyboard accessible, with a clearly labeled toggle and appropriate ARIA attributes (for example, aria-expanded and aria-controls). When opened, focus management is commonly used to move focus into the panel content, and returning focus upon closing helps maintain context.

Design considerations: use closedpanels to reduce clutter and emphasize primary content. Ensure discoverability of the panel through consistent placement, visible handles, and predictable behavior. Maintain responsiveness for mobile layouts, and avoid locking interaction for long tasks.

See also: collapsible region, drawer, panel, accordion, navigation drawer, user interface pattern.