Navigation of Listings via Idioms (Keyboard Shortcuts)

You may not be familiar with the term idiom in the context of web applications, but idioms are implemented via features like keyboard shortcuts. An idiom in this context is a simple instruction that invokes a command. In BuyerCommand, the "j" key and the "k" key move the search results listing forward and backward. These keys are idioms for search results navigation. It may seem awkward to use those two keys, but the main reason for this is that most people are right handed and if they are "Home Row" typists, then the two most dexterous fingers are sitting on top of the "j" and "k" key. Since navigation of lists is the primary action when reviewing listings, it is natural for these two keys to be associated with search results navigation.

BuyerCommand has a mission to make browsing eBay listings more efficient. The utilization of keyboard shortcuts and other idioms is necessary to achieve maximum efficiency. Keyboard navigation is more precise and has the capacity to be invoked at an extremely fast rate. These characteristics really help a user achieve maximum efficiency when browsing eBay listings.

Here is a link to an excellent video presentation on the concept of idioms. If you have any question about idioms you should be able to watch this technical video and have a greater understanding of the value of idioms and the need for their inclusion into modern Web 2.0 web applications like BuyerCommand.