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Choosing Technologies to Match Your Design Goals

Mac OS X has many layers of technology. Before choosing a specific technology to implement a solution, think about the intended role for that technology. Is that technology appropriate for your needs? Is there a better technology available? In some cases, Mac OS X offers several technologies that implement the same behavior but with varying levels of complexity and flexibility. Understanding your operational needs can help you make appropriate choices during design.

As you consider the design of your software, think about your overall goals. The following sections list some of the high-level goals you should strive for in your Mac OS X software. Along with each goal are a list of some technologies that can help you achieve that goal. These lists are not exhaustive but provide you with ideas you might not have considered otherwise. For specific design tips related to these goals, see Apple Human Interface Guidelines.

Contents:

High Performance
Easy to Use
Attractive Appearance
Reliability
Adaptability
Interoperability
Mobility

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