Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Create Custom Software Toolbars: What You Need To Know

By Adriana Noton


Various ways exist that can be used to create custom software toolbars. Simple designs that users adapt to easily are more likely to be widely accepted. A combination of components like graphics, text and colors can be mixed up to come up with a great create toolbar . A clean and smart color scheme makes the toolbar look attractive, which may help improve usability.

Good functionality is important when laying out the design. The less cluttered it looks, the more likable it will be to it's users. Although icons and buttons are necessary to improve ease of use, their number is best reduced to a comfortable level. It is also a good practice to group icons of similar functionality to enable better usability.

A usable toolbar is one that is easy to understand for most people. It gets even better if users have a way of customizing it to fit their needs. An ability to rearrange the icons, buttons or other commands gives users the freedom to build their own custom toolbar. Consequently, they get to enjoy using it more and this can lead to better productivity.

In order for users to have an easier time while using a toolbar, it is necessary to establish an identification method. Different ways can be implemented, one of which is by using intuitive designs that tell the purpose of a component. Labels can also be put on buttons for easier identification. Another effective method is the use of tool tips. They pop up when the pointer is hovered over a button, icon or other graphic.

Before starting to assemble a particular toolbar, the developer may be required to decide the platforms it will run on. Many platforms are available and users may decide to use any of them. Since different platforms have different requirements, the developer will have to decide which to consider and which to ignore. This way, users will have a variety of programs to use the toolbar on, with less restrictions.

A good design takes into consideration the functionality as well as the looks. An attractive look is necessary to make the users more comfortable with it. Colors are useful in enhancing attractiveness. The number of colors should ideally be few. When too many of them are used, the result may be a clash of colors that may put off consumers. A careful choice and a simple combination, results in an attractive toolbar that users are happy with.

To ensure that adoption is fast and painless, users should be able to understand the functions of the tool with ease. If the design is complicated and difficult to understand, there may be difficulties convincing users that it is the best solution. It may be necessary to provide documentation to show how a tool functions. A simple, easily understood set of instructions work best. People are quite busy nowadays and may not be willing to spend their time reading instructions.

A designer is bound to get better results with a toolbar if the needs of the consumer are addressed satisfactorily. A lot of success is determined by how well users adapt the tool based on how well it solves their problems. Simple solutions have a much higher likelihood of succeeding than complicated ones. Simplicity is necessary in order to create custom software toolbars that are widely acceptable.




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