application suggestions
1. I use the switchboard. So, when I run out of room for more options, I group things together, like reports. Or, kind of reports. Sometimes, I group all of the 'background' forms together.
2. I use color backgrounds on forms, but I choose light colors. So, when I print (color printer or not), I use less ink and still make it look nice. I put a text box 'Form Label' like 'Patient Records' on the form in a dark color that compliments the light background color.
3. I line up info on forms in logical groups -- like client#, client last name, client first name, client middle initial on one line; then street address by itself; then city, state, zip together. Sometimes, I draw a box around similar type info.
4. I bold all field labels.
5. I bold all button labels, too. And usually, make them the same size and line them up. If I am doing a form of reports, I group the report together (dailys, weekly, special) and include a text box label.
6. I try to put the same buttons on the forms in the same order. My users like buttons for Add, Delete, Print, Close. Also, I try to make the forms fit on a page of paper, because quite frequently the users want to print the page.
NOTE: A complex form with sub-forms usually needs a print report setup to handle this, or it ends up trying to print ALL of the records.
7. Rather than a report header, I put page headers on the reports -- both to allow me to help the user when they have questions/problems and also for the user's reference.
