Where to learn how to make layouts?

[Cassetti]

I've taught myself the basic and advanced concepts in filemaker pro, Masted most of them.

The only problem: Lack of layout experience. I have purchased the Theme Library 3 from scriptology.com - it is a great start, but actually applying it is a bit challenging.

Could someone point me in the right direction for how to make better and more efficient use of my space?

I have taken several stabs at making a proper fmp database for my company and have always hit the brick wall when it comes to the interface. I get many criticism and have to rebuild them half the time!

Thanks in advance!

[AudioFreak]

I don't think you will actually find a book saying "this is how you make a layout". I believe this is something you learn as you go or by looking at other peoples files/screenshots. I too had issues coming up with a nice interface for files. I ended up using google and searching for other developers screenshots to give me ideas.

One layout I always thought was fairly elegant was this one

http://prodatasolution.com/resources/100$25+Manager$3A+Tenant.jpg

You can also take a look at this thread for a few ideas

http://filemakertoday.com/com/showthread.php?t=12383

Not really an answer but should help.

Michael

[Cassetti]

Audiofreak, thanks! I agree with you - it is something you have to learn as you go. And indeed - i've learned a lot from working on production databases, that users are working with.

Anyone else have anything else useful to suggest?

[grumbachr]

This might not be what you are looking for but it has helped me when trying to work out some ideas for the interface to my solution. I found no example out there no matter how good fit exactly how I needed it to. So in stead of trying to make my data fit into someone else's structure I found that I really need to think how I wanted to present my data in a user friendly way. Yes I do borrow and get inspiration from others designs but I know try to give as much thought to how my users will use my database as to how to structure the data on the back-end.

Apple is known for making things user friendly and they have some great free resource on interface development. This might be a good place for you to start.

Apple Human Interface Guidelines