I have a database with about 10 forms. As regards consistency, should i need to have all forms with the same background color for example, or is it a normal practice, that in a database you may have forms with different formatting.

I understand that this is a vast subject, but would appreciate, if normally in your databases, you stick to the same colour for all forms, or if you use different ones.

Hi.

Here's some interesting article ...

User Interface Design and Development ...

GUI Gallery ...

HTH.

thank you for the links

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Most often in my app I use 15461355 as a background consistent through out the whole app unless it is only separated by department which in most cases rare ...

Design is one subject where you will encounter a variety of opinions. While everyone is entitled to their opion, some designs 'work' better than others. This is true for design generally and no less true for user interface design whether in a database or in any other sort or application.

Now, in my opinion, consistency is particulary important in form design. I base that opinion partly on my own experience in using applications that do not follow the principle and those that do. My opinion also draws on my wider experience with computer use generally and beyond that from the real world. Consistnecy goes along way to easing your users' learning curve and comfort level with the application.

The best example I can think of at the moment is the general consistency you find in the office suite from the way menues work to the consistent use of individual icons. My experience in training people in Office applications is that they learn a large proportion of the very basic of using all of the applications with the very first application they encounter. Drag and drop, and selection techniques, work more or less the same in Windows itself as they do in any of the applications. One inconsitency I have noticed is the Excel uses the windows clipboard differently from the way every other application does. Once you start a new operation after cutting or copying, Excel clears the clipboard.

So, to come back to the meat of your original question, I suggest that you do strive for consistency in your forms design, perhaps even to the point or writing a brief 'code' of design standards. Your users will thank you.

Glenn

thank you for your comment ... it is very interesting, and i perfectly agree with you.