interface design
Out of context: Reply #5
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- jevad0
Although visual style is a tempting diversion for many visual designers, use of stylized visual elements needs to be carefully controlled within an interface- particularly when designing for sovereign applications. Designers must be careful not to affect the basic shape, visual behaviour, and visual affordance of controls in teh effort to adapt them to a visual style.
The point is to be aware of the value that each elemt provides. There is nothing wrong with an element that adds style, as long as it accomplishes what you intend to do and doesn't interfere with the meaning of the interface or the user's ability to interact with it.
having said that, educational and entertainment applications/sites etc...esp those designed for kids, leave room for a bit more stylistic experimentation. The visual appearance of the interface and content are part of the enjoyment of these applications, and a greater argument can also be made for thematic relationships between controls and content. Even in these cases though, basic affordances should be preserved so that users can reach the content easily.