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.
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