Hi,

I'm looking for a recommendation on ways to spruce up the interface of a VFP-9 based application - a rich http client for an Internet-distributed application consuming xml data.

The interface (currently in beta form) is considered "dull"... especially when compared with alternatives.

Those alternatives are functionaly poorer but - being portal-based - make lavish use of graphics and stylesheets of all kinds. ... Our forms are functional (users agree) but look a bit like a win2K control panel items.

Conclusion: we are not looking simply at making the UI more usable but for some gussying up.

What has been done already:
- improve the "splash screen" with some semi-transparency,
- change the icon and bitmap set for smarter ones (still plain though),
- use of the ctl32_statusbar/progressbar (thanks Carlos!) instead the standard one.

What I have considered:
- grow the "toolbar" (it's currently pretty small)
and have have the icons and bitmaps carefully drawn by a professional designer,
- make some reasonable use the ctl32_balloontip BalloonTip class.

So what are the ways to win the next VFP beauty contest.

Demo-ing on VISTA (I understand that it may require some tuning)?
Clever visual tricks ? The truth is that i have not paid attention the recent top league of user interfaces... Must be age:)

Any input welcome.

François