A standard for choosing App colors??

[vbjewel]

I am debating with a Co-Worker as to whether to choose System colors or Palette Colors for a VB App. I say Palette since your App could look like complete crap on another persons PC who has different System Colors Configured.

He says give them freedom to have it look like crap! I say your app represents you, don't take opportunities for it to look bad or inconsistent between diff PCs.

So is there a standard for choosing colors?????????????????????????????

[Cander]

I always go wth Palette colors. looks more professional. Your Co-worker obviously has no sense of professionalism. Probably wont keep his job.

[Static]

I always (or almost always) use the system settings for colors...Like the titlebar and form color etc...Unless there is an object I want to specifically stand out.

Most Apps pull your colors from windows when they run. So if you like to have a Green Title bar with blue text and a red 3d obect (form) then so be it!

IMHO of course

[YoungBuck]

How about giving the end user the option of choosing whether they want to go with the system colors or customize the look to their own style.

[Captain Pinko]

dido w/ Young Buck

[jmcswain]

No way. Then you have to write a whole color-selection section of your app, unnecessarily complicating it.

You should use system colors because:
1) It allows users to customize the colors of your app without you needing to write a single line of code.
2) It keeps your app looking consistent with the rest of windows, which makes your app look professional.
3) It ensures that the legally blind people / really old people who need sharp contrast to read text will be able to use your app.

I always used to use palette colors, until one day I installed a piece of software on one of my user's computer. SHe had the Rainy Day theme. The moment I saw my gray app appear on her green computer next to other green apps, I wanted to vomit. Ever since then, only system colors.

[Cander]

I meant System myself. I got backwards there. forgot what was what!

[jmcswain]

Oh, about the high contrast thing. Even if nobody using your app is blind or old, they may be forced to use it on an old laptop where the screen is shot.

Go with system colors, Microsoft recommend it so it must be good! Believe it or not colors are an accessibility feature. Some people can't distinguish between some colors and you will find they have customised their desktop to eliminate the problem.

Colors also have cultural significance in some parts of the world, imagine making a beautiful app for your Serbian boss in the Croatian national colors.