Form -vs- Functionality

-Stands Up- "Hello, my name is Keith, and I'm a Administrator" -Sits Down-

There I said it! Now that that's out of the way, I want to talk about the development of applications; not the actual elements of the database, but the look and fell of it. I know that some of you, the ones that got past the first sentence, are saying, who cares what the database looks like, as long as it works right? Well, that's where I would disagree. Sure having the buttons in places where people can find them is great, but if it looks like they were ripped from the design of a mid 90's website........(cringe)...Nuff said.

So why care? You know the phrase "Don't judge a book by it's cover", that saying doesn't hold true to the applications we develop. How many times have you visited a website, jut to go on to the next one because the site was "outdated" looking. Personally, I feel that if they can't keep the design of the database current, how current is the information. When we develop applications for Domino, the first impression the user gets about the application a a whole is the design. So if we design it using images from a clip art CD made in 1997 and don't take advantage of all the new stuff available to us, then the users will quickly think that Notes as an application is Outdated and opt for the more visually appealing Sharepoint or Outlook. Simple things like roll over graphics, web 2.0 style buttons and menus and even the choice of fonts can make or break an application. Also, color does matter!!!! Look at the design of the 8.5 client. It's uses a simple blue scheme with a splash or color here and there. Take note, this applies to both web based applications as well as Notes client applications. It's so simple to put a graphic on the frame of a table to give it rounded edges or create a menu with highlighted choices, so just take time to explore your options. This stuff isn't new.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, once you're done with the development of the database, pass it to your graphics people to have them make it look good. It will go a long way towards giving Notes a better image. (No Pun)

Case in point, below is the design of an application that I'm working on the graphics for. it's not done yet, but it demonstrates my point.