The document discusses windowed interfaces for web applications. It describes advantages like important elements always being visible and allowing independent scrolling. It also notes concerns like less content area and requiring fluid layouts. It provides tips for designing windowed interfaces such as identifying common elements, keeping it simple, using thin elements, and preparing for window flexibility. It also discusses cursor styles, consistency, and developing the interface by starting simple and grouping elements, then positioning and styling.
5. Advantages
• Important interface elements are always in
sight and available
• Allows for independent scrolling of various
content sections
• Feels more like a desktop application
• Lends itself to more natural AJAX integration
6. Concerns
• Less room for content areas because of
persistent navigation or header
• Requires fluidity in your layout
• More difficult to replicate the interaction of a
desktop application
15. Remember to Think Thin
• Thin doesn’t mean small
• Take only the space necessary for each element
• The fewer items you need to show, the more
breathing room you can give them, which
increases usability
• Maximize the clickable area on any visually
small elements
24. Why alter the default behavior?
• No other application except browsers use the
pointer cursor
• The arrow cursor feels more precise
• Often the click behavior only alters the current
page, not loading a new one
• Don’t rely on the pointer cursor to indicate if
an element is clickable