On-Screen Usability for Grid styled applications

We’re working on an application with a standard Header–Detail structure, where the Detail section includes a list view containing multiple columns. In this list view, users need to add multiple rows and move smoothly from column to column while entering data.

At the bottom of the screen, there’s a Comments field that dynamically displays comments related to the currently active field.

The challenge we’re facing is that activating a field currently requires a double-click, which disrupts the intended user experience and slows down data entry.

We did explore using Quick Entry mode as a potential solution; however, it didn’t meet our needs. There are several on-screen validations, styles, and features in the current setup that we don’t want to lose as part of any proposed change.

There was a prior system enhancement that allowed single-click activation for boolean fields when moving from row to row by adjusting a setting. We’re hoping to find a similar feature or behavior that would enable single-click activationacross all field types in the list view—without sacrificing the existing UI and validation logic.

Has anyone implemented or found a workaround for this type of interaction?

Hello, thanks for reaching out!

Our one-click Boolean activation works a bit differently than what you’re describing—it doesn’t actually open the field for editing, it just toggles the value. Can you clarify what you’re hoping the “one click” would do for other field types? For example, should it immediately enter edit mode when the user clicks once?

We’ve found that when users are actively entering data, the keyboard shortcuts (especially using Tab to move between columns or add new rows) typically achieve that smooth flow you’re describing and stay in “edit” mode for each cell as users navigate through the columns. If users are instead clicking from cell to cell between columns, I’m curious what their workflow looks like—what’s leading them to navigate that way?

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