Key Design Principles Demonstrated in This Flow

1. Early Intent Clarification

The initial “File Action” decision point allows users to immediately express intent:

• Create something new

• Continue existing work

• Inspect or manage an asset

This avoids unnecessary navigation and keeps the user mentally oriented.

2. Permission-Aware Design

Throughout the flow, actions like:

• Creating files

• Editing properties

• Sharing

• Deleting

are gated behind permission and ownership checks.

Instead of surfacing actions the user can’t complete, the system validates intent at the moment of action and provides clear feedback when an action isn’t allowed.

This prevents:

• Silent failures

• Confusing disabled states

• Accidental destructive behavior

3. Progressive Commitment

Low-risk actions (opening a file, viewing properties) move quickly.

High-impact actions (sharing, deleting, publishing changes) introduce:

• Explicit confirmation steps

• Modals with contextual information

• Clear success or error outcomes

This reflects a deliberate tradeoff between speed and responsibility.

4. Non-Blocking Error Handling

When users encounter an error (e.g., insufficient permissions), the flow:

• Clearly communicates why the action failed

• Prevents data loss

• Allows users to safely recover or choose another path

Errors are treated as system feedback, not dead ends.

5. Fast Path to Core Work

Once validation passes:

• Creating or opening a file leads directly to the editor

• Users aren’t forced through unnecessary setup steps

• The product quickly transitions from “management mode” to “creation mode”