The Calendar component provides an intuitive interface for users to select dates, navigate between months and years, and view date ranges. It supports both single date selection and date range selection, with customizable display options and accessibility features.

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Guidance

AspectBest Practice
UsageUse calendars for date input, scheduling, event planning, or any scenario requiring date selection.
ContentDisplay clear month/year navigation, properly formatted dates, and intuitive selection states.
BehaviorProvide keyboard navigation, clear visual feedback for selected dates, and smooth transitions between months.
ModesChoose single selection for individual dates, range selection for date spans, or multiple selection for non-contiguous dates.
NavigationInclude month/year dropdowns or navigation arrows to help users quickly move between time periods.
ExamplesBooking systems, event schedulers, date filters, or form date inputs.

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Best Practices

  • Clear Selection States: Use distinct visual styling for selected dates, today’s date, and hover states to guide user interaction.
  • Keyboard Navigation: Ensure full keyboard accessibility with arrow keys for navigation and Enter/Space for selection.
  • Range Selection: For date ranges, provide clear visual indication of start date, end date, and the range between them.
  • Outside Days: Consider showing days from adjacent months to provide context, but style them differently to avoid confusion.
  • Responsive Design: Ensure the calendar works well on both desktop and mobile devices with appropriate touch targets.

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Do’s and Don’ts

Do

  • Provide clear visual feedback for selected dates.
  • Use consistent date formatting throughout.
  • Include keyboard navigation support.
  • Show today’s date prominently.

Don't

  • Make date selection targets too small for touch.
  • Use confusing color schemes for different states.
  • Forget to handle edge cases like leap years.
  • Overcomplicate the interface with too many options.

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Additional Guidance

  • Accessibility: Ensure proper ARIA labels, keyboard navigation, and screen reader support for all calendar interactions.
  • Psychological Impact:
    • Visual Hierarchy: Clear month/year headers and date organization help users orient themselves in time.
    • Cognitive Load: Familiar calendar layout reduces mental effort required to understand and use the interface.
    • Confidence: Clear selection states and navigation options give users confidence in their date choices.