I am developing a Java desktop application and I use Swing to build the GUI. I realize that I can change the look of my app by setting different L&Fs.
The JRE (from SUN) provides me at least two L&Fs, one is the default Metal L&F and the other is the “System” L&F which let my app have a native look. Also I can find some really cool L&Fs on the internet.
The question is: which L&F should I use for my desktop app? Someone said the native look will be more user friendly, is that true? If I use the system L&F, should I make different versions of my user handbook (since the UI will change according to the OS)?
I guess you don’t mean to find the best look and feel, you are inclined to use the system look and feel but don’t want to invest more workload on documentation for all platforms.
Actually you can pick a decent look and feel, like nimbus or something else as the default skin, and allow your users to choose the “skin” in the preference settings. Thus your document can just include the screenshots for the default skin.