>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

François

Some interface ideas here http://weblogs.foxite.com/bernardbout/

and look around.