Even though I tend not to agree with everything Mr Spolsky writes, I'll second his book "User Interface Design for Programmers".
The interesting thing about Microsoft's User Experience Guidelines is that MS doesn't follow them in their own office software, although, I wouldn't say following them is a bad idea. -----Original Message----- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Rex Gozar Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 4:38 AM To: U2 Users List Subject: Re: [U2] UI standards As far as UI standards for data entry applications are concerned, I recommend Microsoft's User Experience Guidelines as a starting point. Google "msdn windows 7 user experience guidelines", navigate to the MSDN page, find the PDF link and download the document. Most business people use Microsoft products daily. If your application follows the same basic layouts and uses the same keyboard shortcuts, your users will quickly learn your application; as a bonus, your application will teach them how to use their MS products. However, if your application works contrary to MS products, or requires them to memorize a different command set, then they'll despise you and your product. Have your developers read the book "GUI Bloopers" to avoid stupid GUI layouts. Also "User Interface Design for Programmers" is helpful. <http://www.joelonsoftware.com/uibook/fog0000000249.html> When is it okay to break out and show off a new interface? When it matches the user's imaginary model, not the developers! Finally, desktop and web applications are starting to blur into one another, so it's okay to borrow practices and standards from one and implement them in the other. _______________________________________________ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email ______________________________________________________________________ ########################################################################################### The information transmitted in this message and attachments (if any) is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed. The message may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. The intended recipient of this e-mail may only use, reproduce, disclose or distribute the information contained in this e-mail and any attached files with the permission of IMB. ########################################################################################### _______________________________________________ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
