Rule of Continuity
Interactions preserve the working context.
Requirement
Opening detail, returning, refreshing, and adapting the layout must preserve task-relevant filters, selection identity, entered work, and position unless the operation explicitly changes them. Selection follows a stable entity, not its current row index. Returning focus must support the next step in the task.
Why
The user should not have to reconstruct a comparison after inspecting it. This broader continuity requirement is a project interpretation, supported in part by the APG dialog focus guidance. That pattern is not a universal mandate to return focus to the opener in every workflow.
Application
Restore queue filters and the selected shipment on return. Keep selection attached to that shipment if rows reorder. Explain when the selected item leaves the result set instead of silently substituting the item now at its old index.
Exception
An explicit reset, completed deletion, or next-step workflow may change context. Explain the transition and choose a useful surviving focus target. Do not restore stale state that would misrepresent the current operation.
Review
Compare actual identities, input values, focus, and relevant scroll position before and after a journey. A static selected-state attribute is not proof of continuity.
Examples
The pair isolates this rule. A good example is not approval of the entire interface.
DR-009 · Illustrative comparison—not an engine verdict.
Good for this task
Bad for this task
Review notes and sources
What this example establishes
Other valid choices
Exception
Sources and scope
Shipments
12
Data as of 09:00
Refresh failed at 09:05
Selected shipment: EP 1042
EP 1042 · Oakland → Seattle
EP 1043 · Oakland → Denver
Rate proposal
12 selected lanes · USD rates · effective September 15, 2026.
No changes published.
Dispatch review
Today · All carriers and origins · 09:00 PT snapshot
3 shipments need a response
Address problems are blocking delivery. Review these exceptions before the next dispatch.
1,200 shipments today
Daily total, including the 3 exceptions.
Keyboard walkthrough: select Reset, then use Tab, Enter, and Escape.
Facility dwell
Observed dwell: 18 hours
Service target: 12 hours
Over
target: 6 hours
Choose a distinct service
Regional International Priority Distribution — North
Regional International Priority Distribution — South
Same prefix, different destinations. The suffix matters to this selection.
Parcels by carrier
Color represents carrier identity, not rank.
- Carrier A240 parcels
- Carrier B180 parcels
- Carrier C90 parcels
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Enforcement
behavioral is the strongest mechanism Viewrule expects for the complete rule. Partial checks can still provide supporting evidence without proving the whole requirement.