The objective of this assignment is to learn how to use a graphical user interface builder tool, namely, Visual Basic. You will build an example user interface and use some of the functionality of VB. Your newfound knowledge may assist you with part 3 of the project or some future UI development.

You should use the demonstration session from class as a starter toward using Visual Basic. Also, examine the helpful web pages listed below or any others that might assist you. After that, you should just interact with the tool and build up your interface. Part of the challenge of this assignment is the open-ended nature of it. So you need to be resourceful and exploratory to discover how to accomplish all the necessary tasks.

VB Explorer
Helpful VB site
VB notes from Univ. Maryland
Commands summary chart

More details will be coming later on how to turn in your design. For now, just make sure you always save your Visual Basic file and you eventually create an executable (.exe) for the project.

Problem domain: You are to build an example user interface for an online furniture store. Imagine that a person would bring up this tool at home, select one or more pieces of furniture, and submit the order to the store. You are to design and build such a user interface, but you have some freedom on how exactly it will look. The purpose of the assignment is not to evaluate your design per se. Rather, the purpose is to see if you have learned how to use VB and its different controls. (Of course, it will be hard for us not to critique your design a little, so follow the principles we've been discussing all semester.)

Your interface should include the following items:

• At least three images
• At least threee pull-down menus that provide different commands. In one, a user selection from a menu should change some aspect of the user interface (e.g. alter some image or background color).
• At least three text entry fields
• At least two check boxes that alter the UI when selected (perhaps an image appears)
• At least two command buttons that pop up different windows
• At least one set of radio boxes
• A working scrollbar for some aspect of the UI
• Appropriate alignment and layout
• The ability to resize and still "look good" (e.g. interface elements don't all collapse in upon each other when you make the window smaller).