LIS 558 - User interface design guidelines

• Hobart, J. 1995. "Principles of good GUI design." Available: http://axp16.iie.org.mx/Monitor/v01n03/ar_ihc2.htm.

1. Be consistent.
   • Comply with established standards.
     • Use checkboxes for multiple selections and radio buttons for mutually exclusive options.
     • Users expect to be able to select and copy text from an item with a white background and a flashing vertical bar.
   • Assign shortcut keys consistently.
   • Make single-clicking and double-clicking consistent.
   • Use the right mouse button only for context menus.
   • Do not use the middle mouse button.
2. Allow access via both mouse and keyboard.
   • Generally make every control a tab stop and define a meaningful tab order.
   • Create short-cut (accelerator) keys; make them redundant.
   • Create custom menus where useful.
3. Be helpful.
   • Supply hints (tips) for controls.
   • Create a startup form and set startup properties.
   • Warn users if they are about to do something dangerous.
   • Provide feedback for time-consuming operations.
   • Indicate modes.
4. Avoid clutter and inefficiencies.
   • Do not devote more than about 1/4 of a form to command buttons.
   • Avoid horizontal scroll bars.
   • Limit drop-down list entries.

Home