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What Makes a Good UI?
OSXCPA asks: "While there are plenty of OS business apps from accounting to ERP, they seem to share a common failing with "commercial" software - the user interface is terrible! Has anyone seen an application that has a UI that made you sit up and stare in amazement at the simplicity and effectiveness of it? For the techno-elite, drooly-gui may not be a priority, but I am working on a project (OS) where I have to show real savings (in task performance time and reduced data entry error) on a specialized accounting system via better UI. Am looking for some inspiration. Any ideas? Projects? Books?"
I agree wholeheartedly. Another thing to keep in mind is how you require users to enter data. My job has a proprietary database, and I can't select certain fields without clicking them with the mouse. I can't tab over and (arrow+down) through the choices on the lists. It's endlessly irritating to have the ability to type somewhat quickly, and continously have to remove your hands from the keyboard, grab the mouse, point, click down, click down, select. Frankly, it takes me right out of the "groove" I get myself in. So yes, the "flow" of the UI is most important.
"from the bricks to the booth...I predict the future like Cleo the psychic..."