super_si

Basically ive got a massive database and i need to extract all this data onto a vb form with loads clicky buttons and options which im loading out of the database. But what makes a good GUI interface???



This was my last assignment at uni. As some indication of what i was thinking about, the colours and interface just dont appeal to me, and i dont know how i can improve it(its not this assignment)

Thanks
Si

MarkO

Have a read of The User Interface Hall of Shame. It gives some very good examples of what not to do, and is a cracking read too.

Pay particular attention to the Lotus Notes section.

super_si

Thanks thats a start.

Any examples of good ones?

dsmith

The User Interface Hall of Fame perchance ?

Deano

super_si

ta

dsmith

My personal hate is apps where the tab order is bolloxed or incomplete making it impossible to use without a mouse. Especially anything destined to run on a server where a mouse is not always guaranteed.

Deano

super_si

I just dunno where to start, i always run out of space, because VB is **** when designing stuff like this

Si

IWatkins

Si,

Your first form. The >> button is usually placed between the two list boxes. I'm not sure of the functionality but you normally have a << button as well to unload the right hand list etc.

Your second form there. That is commonly done using a grid control with the back/forwards buttons in place.

One other tip, stick to standard button sizes. I.e. don't resize them just to fill a form, it looks poor (IMHO). Also, keep their positioning constant. I.e. if you always have "Retry", "OK", "Cancel" buttons, have them in the same place on each form (within reason).

Panels. Well, the lines that surround the various functions. Keep them lined up and have constant spacing between them (again, within reason). This also goes for the one surrounding the whole form, if you think it is necessary.

As for general GUI design, there used to be a cracking good document by Microsoft (I kid you not) that had loads of tips on this. I can't find it now, but I'm sure it'll be on the net somewhere, STFW.

Cheers

Ian

super_si

Cheers mate, just the one im going to do next is very complicated and im going to be using ADO tons getting options out the database into option buttons n lst's n cbo boxes.

Any easy explination of how i could make



tabs etc

ta

si

MarkO

Actually, MS products are usually a good place to start. Whilst they get slated for a lot of things, their GUI design is very good - and not just IMO. They spend a lot of time and money on testing and standardising their GUI layouts and functionality, and far more often than not they get it right.

Edited to say - Si, don't go tab-mad. Check out the Hall of Shame section on tabs....

[Edited by MarkO - 10/21/2002 11:15:46 AM]

super_si

Ok i just thought that could be a good way or organising it easier.
Back to the drawing boards then

MarkO

I'm not saying don't use tabs - just use them carefully, and don't go OTT with them!

super_si

Ive never done then so think ill just leave it.

Might even read my book on VB6 datebases......


hmmmmmmmm nar use scoobynet

GaryK

Si,

Hey you were extolling its virtues not so long ago! The thing with UI design is you will ask 10 people and get different answers, but yes M$ do great UI design so makes a good place to start.

Its normally the little things that make a difference, (tab-order) as someone mentioned, aligning controls, masking input to prevent wrong values etc.

Gary

[Edited by GaryK - 10/21/2002 11:58:40 AM]