Question on which interface to use

[tstocksql]

Hi,
We are building an application in VB.NET and MS SQL and are trying to decided which type to use. We're hoping to keep the UI development visual for learning reasons. The application is large with many different layouts. It currently takes about 100 layouts for the UI in the FileMaker version.

Which application type is the best for these requirements, Explorer, Forms, MDI, ...?

Thank you for the help!

 

[techsmith]

If the user will only work on one item at a time, then a traditional single document forms based interface may be best.

If the user may need to work on multiple items, then the key question is whether there is likely to be a need for interaction between items or side-by-side comparison. If this is needed then MDI is probably the best way, if not then an explorer/outlook type interface may be better.

We use MDI for a CRM type system and a monitoring/reporting system as there is a need for interaction or side-by-side display. We use an outlook-type GUI for our helpdesk system and a single doc-type interface for an application-launchpad system.

It might be worth posting something about the purpose of the system you are building as others may have learned valuable lessons working with similar systems.

 

[tstocksql]

Thank you for the response. I will post a more in depth explanation of our UI in a seperate thread.