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With our applications,
particularly those integrating with the operating system,
we strive to maintain the standard Microsoft user
interface (albeit with the occasional exception of the
mouse-wheel); as with the control panel applet or Access
app shown below.
Do your applications pass
the Logo High Contrast test and use standard system
metrics for colour, size etc?
We do not
employ (impose) coloured, non standard buttons, fonts,
flashing labels etc. We realise that many users have
special needs, cultural traditions and taboos or just
like to set their own colour / appearance schemes
notwithstanding our obvious good taste.
For instance...
- Colour blind people
may have difficulty reading red text on a green
background.
- The eye can't focus
simultaneously on colours from opposite ends of
the spectrum. (Red being the worst
offender)
- People prone to
migraine don't need bright flashing labels.
- An application may be
required to operate in situation with specific
lighting requirements.
Microsoft have spent
millions on user interface research.
Why not use their money?
Below is excerpt
from....
Application
Specification for Microsoft® Windows® 2000
for desktop
applications
Design Guide for Building
Business Applications
| 5.1 Support standard system
size, color, font, & input settings |
| 5.2 Ensure compatibility
with the High Contrast option |
| 5.3 Provide documented
keyboard access to all features |
| 5.4 Expose the location of
the keyboard focus |
| 5.5 Do not rely exclusively
on sound |
| 5.6 Do not place shortcuts
to documents, help, or uninstall in the Start
Menu |
| 5.7 Support multiple
monitors |
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