>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.

my 2 cents...

Stick to guidlines. e.g. http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/UxGuide/UXGuide/Resources/TopRules/TopRules.asp

Always use professional icons ; from the same set to give a consistent look. e.g. http://www.fasticon.com/

Less is more

can you post a screenshot (or email one to me and i'll post on my website) for all to see ?



hth

Nigel