Interaction Standards Introduction

In order to make it easier for users to learn and use IFS Applications, forms should in general look and behave in a similar manner. This document describes how the interaction of the graphical user interface (GUI) in IFS Applications should be implemented using Application Forms in Visual Studio. For specific layout instructions, see the page Layout Standards. For further details regarding programming issues, please refer to Developing Application Forms.

In order to achieve great usability, several factors need to be considered. These guidelines are primarily intended to support in making IFS Application's user interface consistent. A consistent user interface typically has the following advantages:

• Easier to learn how to use. After learning how to use parts of the applications, the knowledge carries over to how to use other parts.
• Easier to remember how to use. Due to the consistency, it's easier to remember how different forms work.

The role of these guidelines is not to create absolute rules that must be followed under all circumstances. These kind of guidelines can't be flexible enough to allow for all kinds of efficient user interfaces. However, when moving outside of the presented guidelines, make sure you know what you are doing and why. Discuss with your colleagues, design carefully, review and preferably carry out usability testing. Therefore, this document is not “the law” that must be followed at any cost, but should instead be considered a guide to implementing forms such that they contribute to making IFS Applications easy and efficient to use.

Note: Comments & questions about this topic can be sent to Rnd.UI.Forum.