Batch action mode interaction with search

[leegracee]

There's a related issue from 2019: https://github.com/carbon-design-system/carbon/issues/2275

Problem

Usually, the search bar is attached to the data table in which the batch action toolbar would overlay on top to prevent the user from searching.

However, in cases where the search bar is detached from the data table, there's a scenario we're running into.

1. User selects items and trigger batch action
2. User searches for an item (whether it's within the selected item list or in general to search across pagination)
3. Batch action selection disappears even after closing out of search. This results in the lost of user's progress on their selection

While we identified a scenario where search bar is detached in our product - Watson Query/Data Virtualization, it also exists on the platform where search bar would be detached from data table (i.e. WKC). It's an issue with existing scenarios across the platform.

There's been some discussion based on the following:

Discussion over solution

Have there been explorations in keeping the selected items sticky to the top? Explorations over the use of a side panel that pushes out for in-context reference?

As mentioned, there's a related issue from 2019: https://github.com/carbon-design-system/carbon/issues/2275 Unsure how far the history of this issue goes back, but in terms of solving the issue within our product right at the moment... is it better for the issue to be left untouched or disable the search bar to mimic the flow as if the search bar was attached to the data table?

[sstrubberg]

Ref: https://github.com/carbon-design-system/carbon/issues/2275

[jjennings7]

@sstrubberg @leegracee We now have a need in DataStage to address this search/batch actions issue too, see #25502 in our repo.

[AustinGitHub]

Hi @sstrubberg is there any update/progress on this? Thanks!

[sstrubberg]

@AustinGitHub no movement yet. What product are you supporting. As we prioritize our work, we look for enhancements that will make an impact across as many products as possible.

Would you be open to making a community contribution?

[jjennings7]

@sstrubberg, @AustinGitHub and I represent DataStage

Would you be open to making a community contribution?

Maybe... will need to see if we can get buy-in from our team

[Rolando77]

I am the z/OSMF Design lead and For z/OSMF plugins, the covering of the Search (and potentially filter) functions when a selection is made has been reported as a usability problem for our customers. We have use cases were the user reasonably may want to adjust their search results without have to deselect everything. We would also like to see movement on this issue.

[shixiedesign]

Adding Partner Experiences to the list. We could also benefit from a solution to this problem.

Meanwhile, there's another issue we noticed that's regarding keyboard navigation with Batch action bar and Search. I opened a new issue to track: https://github.com/carbon-design-system/carbon/issues/15813