Images from GUI Bloopers, by Jeff Johnson. Used without permission.
What's wrong with this?
Primary windows and dialog boxes have different functions. Mixing up the types of windows causes confusion.
Variations (from most to least common):
Design Rule:
Primary windows and dialog boxes have different roles.
Window feature | Primary window | Dialog Box |
---|---|---|
display duration | usually long | usually short |
modal | no | if needed |
menubar | yes | no |
toolbar | if needed | no |
help provided | rightmost menubar menu | help button (optional) |
window control buttons | no | bottom or right edge |
resizable | yes | usually not |
minimizable | yes | no |
maximizable | yes | no |
window close function | if main: exit cmd in file menu if not main: close cmd in leftmost menu |
OK, close, cancel buttons |
titlebar | app: function - data | app: function |