ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses several different types of windows and the windows design process. Consequently, adopting windows as a user interface standard means reduced user learning time because of skill carryover. Windows are typically designed in the context of a user interface. A window is a screen box or a portion of a screen that holds a message, a menu, or some other unit of information. Menu bars appear at the top of most Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh application screens. Icon windows display multiple icons. Some windows are designed to provide feedback. Windows are also used to provide error messages and warnings. A given window can be opened in several different ways. Menu bar windows require additional planning because they are typically linked to lower-level pull-down menus. The user interface design defines window flow and sequence, but the designer often performs additional tests before beginning detailed design and writing the code to implement the windows.
