USER INTERFACE DESIGN
Use Double-Click to Display More Microsoft Access Data
Busy forms are distracting and confusing. Let users decide when to display more data just by double-clicking.
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About this Article:
The best forms show only the data users really need. A good form design lets users see the data they always need, but doesn't clutter up the screen with data they occasionally need. When users need the additional data about a specific record, they can display that data in another form. If there's a permanent relationship between the two data sources, you can use the Access Form wizard to create a form with a subform or create two linked forms to display the additional data. However, using subforms can just create another busy form. Linked forms work well, but you're limited to the wizard's choices, and both solutions work only with relationships defined in the database. Find out about a more flexible solution.
Susan Sales Harkins is an independent consultant and the author of several articles and books on database technologies. Her most recent book is “Mastering Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express,” with Mike Gunderloy, published by Sybex. Other collaborations with Mike Gunderloy are “Automating Microsoft Access 2003 with VBA,” “Upgrader’s Guide to Microsoft Office System 2003,” “ICDL Exam Cram 2,” and “Absolute Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Access 2003” all by Que. Currently, Susan volunteers as the Publications Director for Database Advisors at http://www.databaseadvisors.com. You can reach her at ssharkins at gmail.com.