Nicholas Brown is a recognized authority on the subject of Access Databases. He is the founder of Database Technology Services (DTS). DTS is a leader in custom Access database development. DTS programmers create databases for corporations, small businesses and individuals. Visit www.dts-consultants.com to see all of the services DTS has to offer.
Over the years I have noticed that a large number of MS Access databases lack a professional looking quality. In addition, I have noticed that people get caught up trying to display so much information on one form that its users are easily confused. Be assured that Microsoft Access databases have the ability to look professional and maintain a easily useable interface.
The first thing that a database developer must realize is that the people using the database will most likely not have an opportunity to see it before completion. That means that their ability to use and understand the database comes from their ability to understand the “user interface.” Unfortunately, many developers spend far less time on the interface than on the “guts” of the database. The result is a very complex database with a confusing interface.
No matter how powerful a database can be, it will never live up to its full potential if its users cannot understand its features. What am I stressing here? One word: simplification. By reducing the number of things the user has to look at to a minimum, the better off they’ll be.
One way of accomplishing this is by reducing the number of “inconsequential” options presented to the user. These are the options that will have little effect on the outcome of the feature. The next tip is to break up information on a page or query in sections. Have some way of setting these sections apart from the other sections (e.g. a line or box around the data). It is also useful to give each section a subtitle in bold text to set it off. These subtitles will allow the users eyes to scan quickly across the information on the page.
Do not be afraid to dress up the “user interface.” Giving the interface a sharp, clean look with colors that are easy on the eyes will make the user’s experience more enjoyable. Pastel colors are usually a good option. Experiment with different colors and text fonts until you find something that you, yourself, wouldn’t mind staring at all day.
The key to this whole process is keeping the user in mind. The easier and more enjoyable the database is for them to use, the more productive they are going to be. The more productive they are, the more their employer’s business will be.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Importance Of Management Development
- Management Development - What Is It?
- What You Can Achieve With Management Development
- Learn About The History Of Management Development
- Management Development Makes Managers Better
- What is Management Development?
- Management Development Training for Men and Women – is There Any Difference?
- Organising Management Development Programmes




How to Prevent and Recovery From Hard Drive Crash?
By: kmadhav | 11/11/2009The worst situation of data loss may occur at any point of time to any system. When you computer gets crashed, it brings all of your critical files down to engrave with it. If you wonder how to retrieve lost, missing or inaccessible data from your computer hard drive, Data Recovery is the key of it. Recovery is possible in the majority of data loss situations. Following are some things that you should know if your entire life depends upon your valuable data
Database Driven Oil Industry Software - Yesterday and Today
By: Tom Gruich | 10/11/2009The idea of creating database driven oil industry software programs for use in exploration and production was introduced in the early 1990s. The Petrotechnical Open Software Corp’s request for information in 1991 generated a great deal of positive feedback from major companies directly involved in drilling and refining, as well as a variety of support companies. Here’s a look at what’s available today.
What is Database?
By: Jameson Meer | 06/11/2009It is one of the technological terms that a lot of individuals have become familiar to hearing at-work or while browsing the web is the database.
Practice Smart Growth by Switching To A Smart Solution: Remote DBA
By: Kashif Mukhtar | 06/11/2009The safe and effective handling of corporate data is vital to the survival of any organization. Many critical functions of a company are dependent on the accessibility and reliability of data. Despite growing complexities, databases must remain stable regardless of the resources available to support them. The ultimate responsibility of ensuring the stability of the database environment falls on the Database Administrator (DBA).
blank dvd
By: bettypalmateerjh | 06/11/2009Basically DVD is Digital Video disk and used to data storage. Generally DVD can store 4.2 GB.DVD-R is a recordable DVD format same as CD -R and DVD+R. DVD-R generally comes in two different standards i.e DVD –RG and DVD-RA.
Benefits of Interconnecting Database Design Knowledge with Financial Topics
By: Tom Gruich | 03/11/2009Techniques to make and manage money are some of the most popular topics for database designers to explore on the web, so it is little wonder that so many database designers turn their attention to dealing with financial database design services.
SQL SERVER -2005
By: Mahesh A. Dahale | 02/11/2009A database management, or DBMS, gives the user access to their data and helps them transform the data into information. Such database management systems include dBase, paradox, IMS, SQL Server and SQL Server. These systems allow users to create, update and extract information from their database.
MyTaskHelper – The best online storage way
By: WhiteGoodCat | 01/11/2009Create Web Forms with ease. No, Scripts, no HTML, no Coding! MyTaskHelper.com Web Form Builder is a Free online database application that creates the most unbelievable Web forms you have ever seen. Add input boxes, text areas, lists, drop-down boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, Files/Video/Images and more. The best part is, you do not have to know any code. With Web Form Builder, you can create snazzy Web forms without any HTML knowledge. Also you can collect, store and share Forms using Widget
Database Design Basics by Nicholas Brown
By: Nicholas Brown | 21/10/2008 | DatabasesTips and tricks on designing and implementing a database that can handle everything you demand.
Product Delivery: Think Like the Customer by Nicholas Brown
By: Nicholas Brown | 15/10/2008 | Customer ServiceTips and tricks on delivering a product or service that meets all of the needs of your client.
Ms Access Databases Don't Have to Look Unprofessional by Nicholas Brown
By: Nicholas Brown | 30/09/2008 | DatabasesTips and tricks to help maximize the usability of your database by improving the user interface.
Using Comments in Your Programming Source Code by Nicholas Brown
By: Nicholas Brown | 30/09/2008 | ProgrammingSave time and money by adding comments to your source code.
Importing External Access Database Tables Using Visual Basic by Nicholas Brown
By: Nicholas Brown | 18/09/2008 | ProgrammingA brief how-to on importing external database tables using Visual Basic code. This tool can help users to automate their databases, saving time and money.
Pulling Data From Multiple Tables Into a Single Query in Ms Access by Nicholas Brown
By: Nicholas Brown | 17/09/2008 | DatabasesA brief how-to on linking multiple tables within a single query. With this tool, users can develop more complex queries, reducing the need for several queries. This will also reduce the size of the database making it more efficient and easier to navigate.
Becoming an Expert Ms Access Database Programmer
By: Nicholas Brown | 11/09/2008 | ProgrammingTips and tricks on becoming your own Access database expert. Follow these guidelines and you will be well on your way to becoming a leader in database development.