Recently, I was able to finish my database. It works without any (obvious) bugs. But for some reason, the thing looks like it was slapped together by a 6 year old (or the autoformat function). Are there any websites with some suggestions on how to make a functional database look like it was created proffesionally?
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Form Aesthetics - Odd Question
- Thread starter Tranquilo
- Start date
gusbrunston
Programmer
Hi, Tranquilo:
You're in a unique position...a finished database! I was wondering the other day, "Under what circumstances will this task every be complete?"
But now you are lucky if you have the time to tweak the aesthetics...experiment with color, with flat, sunken, raised formats, conditional formats when the value is zero, different background colors for alternate months, add pictures of products and/or employees. Gee, you're right at the fun part.
After the holidays, I'll try to put one of my main forms in a database small enough to email and send it to you for ideas. Although I am not much more than a neophyte, form has always been more fun for me than substance!
If you like, send your email address. Gus Brunston
An old PICKer, using Access2000
padregus@attbi.com
You're in a unique position...a finished database! I was wondering the other day, "Under what circumstances will this task every be complete?"
But now you are lucky if you have the time to tweak the aesthetics...experiment with color, with flat, sunken, raised formats, conditional formats when the value is zero, different background colors for alternate months, add pictures of products and/or employees. Gee, you're right at the fun part.
After the holidays, I'll try to put one of my main forms in a database small enough to email and send it to you for ideas. Although I am not much more than a neophyte, form has always been more fun for me than substance!
If you like, send your email address. Gus Brunston
An old PICKer, using Access2000padregus@attbi.com
This is a great question! I always wondered if there was some book about form or report GUI. There are so many different ways to set these things up that it would be interesting to see how other programmers have designed theirs. Not to mention all the whiz bang controls available. I think that should be a whole website by itself.
You might try searching for websites related to User Interface (UI) design and Human Factors.
A recommended book is The Essential Guide to User Interface Design: An introduction to GUI design principles and techniques by Wilbert O. Galitz (ISBN 0-471-15755-4). This title is available from Amazon.com.
Happy Holidays!
Greg
A recommended book is The Essential Guide to User Interface Design: An introduction to GUI design principles and techniques by Wilbert O. Galitz (ISBN 0-471-15755-4). This title is available from Amazon.com.
Happy Holidays!
Greg
Here are some tips that might help:
Musts:
A splash screen with the program title (gives you a chance to put a graphic on a form)
An about form (more detailed program info, including company name)
Things most people don't think of:
Alignment: This is probably the single biggest issue in making something look good, and it's also something everyone misses. Make sure all your elements are lined up exactly the same. Even the grid guide might not be sufficient. Draw a line and adjust everything on the line. Then delete the line. For titles, you can make sure they are always centered by extending the label or the field completely across the top.
Consistency: Each form should look alike in format. Use the same font, the same color choices, etc. Buttons should always be in the same place. Also another big issue that everyone misses.
Check spelling on the forms. Make sure everything is spelled out.
Row selectors, navigation buttons, and dividing lines: If these aren't needed, turn them off. Forms simply look better without these elements.
Button Location: The buttons should be along either the right side or the bottom--basically, what you'd expect to see in any program.
Microsoft also has a white paper on user interfaces on their web site.
Linda Adams
Visit my web site for writing and Microsoft Word tips: Official web site for actor David Hedison:
Musts:
A splash screen with the program title (gives you a chance to put a graphic on a form)
An about form (more detailed program info, including company name)
Things most people don't think of:
Alignment: This is probably the single biggest issue in making something look good, and it's also something everyone misses. Make sure all your elements are lined up exactly the same. Even the grid guide might not be sufficient. Draw a line and adjust everything on the line. Then delete the line. For titles, you can make sure they are always centered by extending the label or the field completely across the top.
Consistency: Each form should look alike in format. Use the same font, the same color choices, etc. Buttons should always be in the same place. Also another big issue that everyone misses.
Check spelling on the forms. Make sure everything is spelled out.
Row selectors, navigation buttons, and dividing lines: If these aren't needed, turn them off. Forms simply look better without these elements.
Button Location: The buttons should be along either the right side or the bottom--basically, what you'd expect to see in any program.
Microsoft also has a white paper on user interfaces on their web site.
Linda Adams
Visit my web site for writing and Microsoft Word tips: Official web site for actor David Hedison:
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