program installed on user's machine as opposed to a program that runs remotely and is accessed via an internet browser.
33
votes
9answers
3k views
What are the drawbacks of designing a Windows application to look like a Mac application?
I'm working with a company whose product is a Microsoft Windows application.
As the UI/UX designer (and as a Mac user) I want to redesign the application so it is more visually appealing.
Are there ...
46
votes
9answers
4k views
Undo History - Why limit it?
Why do most applications have fairly limited 'undo' history functionality?
I've been caught out on multiple occasions (granted its technically my fault) where I've needed to undo a number of changes ...
6
votes
5answers
945 views
Replacement for long drop-down list
I'm currently working on a part of our application in which the user edits a document. Part of the application allows the user to input certain "parts." We've implemented this as a couple of drop ...
5
votes
2answers
373 views
What affords scrolling?
Besides the obvious:
Scrollbar
Touch interfaces (especially mobile ones)
A sign saying "You can scroll here you know!"
This for a desktop application.
21
votes
5answers
12k views
Is there a Windows 8 desktop UI Guideline or HIG anywhere in the world?
And I don't mean Win 7 / Metro UI guidelines, I have them up the wazoo, but I've changed jobs and need to start looking at the new Windows 8 DESKTOP design. I know it takes a lot of cues from Metro on ...
9
votes
13answers
644 views
When would you prefer a custom/skinned user interface in a desktop application?
I'm working on an application whose UI is skin-based, but it looks a little bit old (its graphics were designed more than 5 yeas ago). It's not clear to me whether we should consider a redesign or get ...
25
votes
6answers
995 views
What is the best way to get users to discover and learn keyboard shortcuts
In a mouse driven desktop application, with a ribbon style interface and which has no menubar, what is the best way for users to learn about the shortcuts and accelerators which can help a user work ...
10
votes
6answers
403 views
What to put in the About box?
I wonder what useful stuff one can put in an About box in a Mac OS X program.
Most basic the About box displays
Program icon
Program name
Version number
Copyright
More sophisticated ones ...
8
votes
3answers
192 views
Why do menu labels behave differently in desktop applications and websites?
In a desktop application when you click a menu, you see all the options which reside within it, in a drop-down/pop-up list.
In many websites with a navigation menu which has sub-categories, I have ...
6
votes
4answers
525 views
What are good examples of custom/skinned user interfaces? [closed]
In relation to the question of when should you skin your application (desktop apps, not web pages, which are almost always customised), it seems a real fact, that sometimes you just have to do it, ...
5
votes
3answers
528 views
Options, preferences, settings, configurations: What to call them in my application?
I've seen a lot of different applications use a lot of different terminology for the part of the application that lets you change the settings. But are there any advantages/conventions as to using one ...
4
votes
4answers
343 views
Should a desktop app open by default in fullscreen mode?
I'm currently building a multi platform desktop app. Should the app open by default in fullscreen mode?
1
vote
2answers
84 views
Should I alter the size of various icons when displayed on different resolution devices?
I know that images look smaller or bigger depending on the screen resolution so an image (say 10x10) would look bigger on a less resolution display and look tiny on a higher resolution display.
I ...
1
vote
2answers
94 views
Combining rotation and straightening of images
Topic may seem weird as the two terms seem to mean the same.
Clarification:
Rotation: The typical way of grabbing a corner and pulling in the direction you want the image to rotate.
Straightening: ...
