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