"Visual design serves a purpose greater than decoration; it is an important tool for effective communication. The organization of information on the screen can make the difference between a message users understand and one that leaves users feeling puzzled or overwhelmed.
Even the best application functionality can suffer and be underused if the visual presentation does not communicate it well. If you are not trained in visual or information design, it is a good idea to work with a designer who has education and experience in one of these fields. Include that person as a member of the design team early in the development process. Good designers know how best to take advantage of the screen and use the concepts of shape, color, contrast, focus, and composition effectively. Moreover, graphic designers understand how to design and organize information and can assess the impact of fonts and colors on perception.
Keep in mind that visual design should complement, not replace, the structural design of your application. In particular, avoid relying only on visual design to convey important information about what's on the screen. Users who have visual impairments may not be able to interpret this presentation. For example, make sure that controls have labels that communicate their relationship to other items, not strictly their physical location."
Metainfo:
AutorIn: Hans Christian Pilles; Copyright: Microsoft; Publiziert von: Hans Christian Pilles (HCPilles) factID: 273974.1; Publiziert am 01 Dec. 2006 13:08
