Learn how to design and code desktop-caliber web interfaces. Covers tips, techniques, and reasons behind what makes full-window interfaces effective, and how to best design for usability.
Advantages • Important interface elements are always in sight and available • Allows for independent scrolling of various content sections • Feels more like a desktop application • Lends itself to more natural AJAX integration
Concerns • Less room for content areas because of persistent navigation or header • Requires fluidity in your layout • More difficult to replicate the interaction of a desktop application
Remember to Think Thin • Thin doesn’t mean small • Take only the space necessary for each element • The fewer items you need to show, the more breathing room you can give them, which increases usability • Maximize the clickable area on any visually small elements
Why alter the default behavior? • No other application except browsers use the pointer cursor • The arrow cursor feels more precise • Often the click behavior only alters the current page, not loading a new one • Don’t rely on the pointer cursor to indicate if an element is clickable
Be consistent in... • Navigational treatments • Button styles and placement • Cursor treatments • Graphical elements across sections • Section width, height, and placement