Progress Programming Tips

PPT-25  UI Design - Progressive Disclosure

Tip:

A design technique that is used to deal with information overload in
GUI interfaces is Progressive Disclosure.  A prime example of this
technique is the use of More... buttons to provide access to
additional detail related to the current display.  When done properly
this allows for displays with limited, focused information
presentation and easy access to less frequently needed details.

Other visual techniques include the use of "Tabbed" folders, radio-set
display paging, and drill down access.

With the GUI world presenting so many visual effects - 3D, fonts,
color, various widgets etc. the developer should be careful not to
clutter the display.  This is often easier said than done when dealing
with database applications.  Be prepared to have the UI design
requirements cause some real headaches when mixing with the
application data requirements, availability, and processing.

Wisdom:

If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

Rod Gaither                  | rdg@worldinfo.com
World Information Systems    | (910) 333-2580  Voice
Greensboro, NC               | (910) 333-2584  Fax