Ready to learn more?
Free
Estimate!
Estimate!
Tell us about your project
needs. A knowledgeable
Project Manager will
provide a free estimate.
needs. A knowledgeable
Project Manager will
provide a free estimate.
Access Database Development | Business Software Experts | Microsoft Access Technical Support
MS Access Databases Don't Have to Look Unprofessional |
- Receive a free estimate
- Learn about our company
- Read about our methodology
- Review our clients
Database Professional
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.
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.
Home >> Database Articles >> MS Access Databases Don't Have to Look Unprofessional
| Home | Company | Services | Methodology | Technologies | Clients | Contact Us | Resources | Database Help |