Designing the User Interface
- Information should flow from left to right or top to bottom with most
important information at top left.
- Group related controls together
- Place Buttons along bottom or on right side of screen. Limit the number
of button on each from. If there is a need for multiple “buttons” consider
using a menu instead. Place the most used buttons first.
- Controls should be of consistent size when possible. (All command
buttons the same height and width, textboxes the same height, etc.)
- Use descriptive settings for Text properties (the text displayed on the
face of a command button or label). Use no more than 3 words and use book
title capitalization.
- Use no more than 2 different font sizes. Use font type that is easy to
read (sans serif).
- Label each TextBox on form. Align labels on the left and position them
to the left or above the TextBox.
- Align controls. Place controls evenly about the form. Do not leave too
much or too little space between controls. Maintain a consistent margin from
edge of window.
- Use color with purpose. Do not use more than 3 colors other than black,
white, and gray. Vivid colors tend to make the screen look cluttered and
distract from the important information on the form.
- Limit graphics to only those that are necessary or that add information
to the form.
- Provide access keys to controls when possible to minimize the need for
the user to switch between the mouse and the keyboard.
- When assigning an access key to a control use the first letter of the
Text property unless another is obviously more appropriate
- Control the tabbing sequence so focus flows around the form in a logic
manner.
Sample screen using horizontal arrangement

Sample screen using vertical arrangement
