Improve my Layout?

[javabandit]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some ideas to make this layout more clean, and more intuitive. I can't attach the db, it's hosted right now. But, attached are two pics, one of the layout, and one of the table structure.

The layout is from the perspective of the input_filter table. The user is to select a Tool record in the portal at the left. The tool info is then shown in the "Selected Tool" box. Each tool will have multiple "Work entries" which are shown next, with the selected data below. Then, each "Work Entry" will be quoted by several vendors, only one of which is awarded the work.

Everything is working on this layout, but I just feel that it's busy, and not real consistent. I'm looking for some suggestions on how to clean it up a bit.

Thank you for your time.

Editing my post here:

I've asked our IT dept to get me a copy out of the FM Server in case that helps.

Edited June 22, 2009 by Guest

[DBoor]

I think your layout structure is pretty good. The things that kept catching my eye were the buttons and the large empty space to the left that they created.

I like to place record buttons like these up in the header area of the related section, and delete buttons in the portal row. When these are constantly placed it doesn't take the user any additional time to find them and creates a clean interface.

Hope this helps.

[javabandit]

Hey, thanks for the tips! I didn't expect to -see- anyone's ideas, but looks like you did a great job of photo-chopping my picture.

I had tried the button-in-the-bar method, but my buttons were too ugly at first. And, I had them on the left of the bar instead of the right. I like them on the right better.

I ran out of time today to prep this database for posting. Might still do that if my other workload slows a bit.

Thanks again for your help. It is more clean than what I started with.

[BruceJ]

I think it's really good. It flows properly from Left to Right and Top to Bottom with what I understand is the work flow process. This is the natural direction that our eyes have been trained to scan and search.

Only thing I can imagine is the bottom section with all the key date fields, you might put these on tabs to spread them out and hide many of them if they aren't always necessary... perhaps they are and a person needs to see all the dates at once to help make a decision. In this case, don't change a thing!

I do prefer the delete button on the portal row and the "new button" near the top, but I'd put it on the Left side of the header... again knowing that our eyes scan left to right and you'd want this seen first. Also, most common Delete icons involve a Red X, usually any starburst shape means something's being created. Think of the color blind.

[javabandit]

Thanks all for the tips. I've attached some shots of my improved interface.

[javabandit]

One more....