Standard User Interface Designs

I need to showcase a web app prototype to a client in the upcoming days. However, I struggle with CSS and never seem satisfied with the outcomes I achieve.

While coding the business logic is easy for me, designing the UI consumes most of my time. I prefer a clean, pleasant, and presentable look without anything extravagant. For instance:

https://i.sstatic.net/uKott.png

This recurring issue makes me wish for a web UI development approach that has a more polished default style, similar to Visual Studio or iPhone SDK.

The mockup above created using Balsamiq Mockups serves as an excellent example. It provides all common components with a single appealing style option.

Is there something equivalent for web development? A neutral yet stylish CSS or Javascript UI framework?


Possible Options:

I am particularly interested in CSS-only UI frameworks.

I came across this page listing Web UI Libraries, but many of them (especially the good ones) appear Java-specific. Are there similarly good alternatives in pure CSS or JS?

PS: My focus is solely on style and not AJAX, effects, behaviors, etc.


Appreciate all the suggestions provided!

After carefully considering all the suggested UI libraries, I've narrowed down my choices to ExtJS and Qooxdoo as they align closely with my requirements. jQuery UI shows promise but offers fewer elements.

Regarding CSS-only libraries, BlueTrip / BluePrint and the themes recommended by tambler stand out. Additionally, Flex and Napkee are worth exploring.

Excited to dive into learning ExtJS now! =)

Answer №1

If you're looking for a combination of 960gs for layout and jQuery-UI for styling, that's probably the way to go.

Another option to consider is using the blueprint CSS framework instead of 960gs.

Answer №2

Surprisingly, no one has brought up:

This JavaScript framework is commercial but reasonably priced, and makes creating a sleek UI incredibly easy. It offers a wide range of elements compared to jqueryui, and is specifically designed for building entire applications. While I've only dabbled with it briefly, I am already impressed. Plus, it's free for personal use.

If you want to see an example of a fully developed UI using EXT, check out this link:

Answer №3

Have you considered incorporating dojo and dijit into your project?

Dijit offers a convenient solution for designing widgets and elements, complete with three customizable default themes.

You can explore a variety of widgets available here

Answer №4

Collaborate with a UI design expert to enhance your project.

If your strength lies in handling business logic, it is best to focus solely on coding and mastering that aspect. Connecting with someone who specializes in UI design will help you create a more polished final product. Utilizing tools like xml and json can facilitate this collaboration.

Business logic and presentation require different skill sets. It is challenging to create a system that not only looks good but is also user-friendly. Developing the inner workings of an application is equally complex and time-consuming.

Effective interface design goes beyond incorporating a css framework.

I identify as a 'creative' programmer skilled in UI design. I was fortunate to team up with a highly motivated individual who excelled in business logic. He brought vast experience in planning and implementing complex systems, while my focus had been on designing interfaces.

If your strengths lie in system architecture or development, prioritize honing those skills. While solo projects can be rewarding, collaborating with others is often more efficient. Few individuals possess all the necessary skills for developing top-tier applications alone.

The key is finding a compatible collaborator who complements your abilities.

Answer №5

If you're interested, take a look at Google Web Toolkit. Its default appearance is quite clean and sleek. They offer various demos as well. For instance, their Showcase example showcases all the widgets available along with the css styles used to achieve that aesthetic.

Answer №6

When it comes to (G)UI Design, there are several frameworks designed for this purpose such as Qooxdoo, JQuery UI, and MochaUI (although the latter is more of a proof-of-concept than a fully functional framework). These frameworks typically provide various JS-powered elements like form fields, submit buttons, and tabs. However, you will still need to customize the positioning and styling of these elements according to your preferences.

It may be beneficial to also explore CSS frameworks, such as 960GS, in addition to the aforementioned JS UI Frameworks.

(Disclaimer: I have limited experience with the frameworks mentioned above. For more detailed information, Google or Stack Overflow may offer insights beyond what I can provide.)

Answer №7

Although not applicable to your current project, it may be beneficial for future endeavors. After facing challenges with CSS and HTML limitations while creating GUI applications in HTML 4 for many years, I decided to give Adobe Flex a try. The difference was remarkable!

With Flex or Silverlight, you can easily specify a tabbed page control or data grid in your markup instead of trying to mimic them. Furthermore, these frameworks offer default styles that may seem plain but are actually quite decent. While I'm not suggesting they completely replace HTML, they serve as a superior option for widgets and GUI layout.

Answer №8

If you're looking for some inspiration, take a look at this site:

You can find a variety of "Administrative" designs available for purchase that may be perfect for your project.

Answer №9

Utilizing wireframe mockups is a fantastic way to kickstart your project.

After experimenting with various UI frameworks mentioned in this discussion, I'd like to suggest jQueryUI for the following reasons:

  1. The jQueryUI CSS framework simplifies the process of creating consistent and visually appealing CSS styles (simply add classes to your markup)

  2. jQueryUI offers tabcontrol functionality and provides convenient methods for styling forms quickly and efficiently

Answer №10

To cater to contemporary web browsers that are not Internet Explorer, it is worth exploring Sproutcore. For creating mockups, I rely on mockingbird.

Answer №11

An innovative PHP framework tailor-made for creating user interface-centered applications. It comes equipped with essential components like Tabs, Filters, and Grids that can be easily implemented with just 20 lines of code.

Answer №12

Are you familiar with Axure? It's a fantastic tool designed for quickly developing wireframes, prototypes, and specifications for various applications and websites.

Similar to Balsamiq, Axure allows you to export your wireframes/prototype as HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Once exported, you have the option to upload it to a server or run it on your computer, giving you a functional example of your design.

Axure offers features such as creating forms, links, tabs, rollovers, and implementing Javascript effects.

Answer №13

If you're currently utilizing Balsamic Mockups for your prototyping needs, it may be worthwhile to explore Napkee. According to the website, "Napkee allows you to effortlessly export Balsamiq Mockups to HTML/CSS/JS and Adobe Flex 3 with just a simple click."

Answer №14

A while back, I encountered a challenge and couldn't find a solution, so I decided to dive into learning css. Since then, significant progress has been made in this area.

  • To summarize the problem you're facing, there is a helpful wikipedia page available.
  • Another resource is yaml-css, which converts yaml into css code.
  • Consider looking into baseline, although it does require some prior css knowledge.
  • I recommend exploring Adobe's Dreamweaver, which offers various css and style generation tools that produce clean, w3c compatible code.

I trust this information proves useful to you.

Answer №15

In my projects, I love using a combination of 960gs for layout and either jQuery-UI or JQuery tools. However, I recently discovered and I'm intrigued by its features, even though it may not be business-friendly. Before diving in, make sure to carefully review its license terms.

Answer №16

Exploring a new website named Creativix.com has introduced me to the world of creating online mockups for applications, websites, and projects without the hassle of installation. This platform offers a variety of common controls as well as advanced features for project management and easy collaboration with others online.

Although I haven't personally experimented with it yet, I have taken a quick look and find it quite intriguing. It's highly likely that I will be utilizing its services in the near future.

Answer №17

Sass seems promising in tackling certain CSS challenges.

Answer №18

One of my favorite tools to use is jQuery. It's a versatile and efficient library for simplifying the process of image cropping on websites.

Answer №19

My preference is for RocketCSS. Its sleek and minimalist design is worth checking out.

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