Design of Visual Elements
Design of Visual Elements |
Microsoft® Windows® XP is designed to create a friendly and visually simpler computer experience. Because the visual design is integral to the user experience, use the following guidelines to design effective user interface (UI).
Four key adjectives describe Windows XP.
- Fresh. Rich color, soft curves, and subtle gradients breathe life into Windows. High-quality graphics and new icons add sophistication and personality. Windows has been completely revamped to make the computer experience more enjoyable.
- Desirable. Texture and light give the interface a more tactile feel. The title bar and taskbar have a soft plastic feel, and colorful buttons light up as users hover their mouse over them, inviting users to click them. Subtle dimensional buttons and controls use color and light to provide better feedback.
- Colorful. A rich color palette of blues with accents of green, red, and yellow define the default look of Windows XP. Subtle gradients and glows give depth and richness to backgrounds and toolbars. Color is used to improve discoverability and convey the meaning of buttons such as the green Start button and red Close button.
- Simple. The Windows XP look is designed to enhance ease of use. Improved use of typography and layout provide hierarchy and clarity to help users find tasks. Sign-like colored buttons provide visual cues to communicate important system functions.
The following sections detail recommendations for visual elements for applications designed for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition: