Skin (computing): Difference between revisions
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The most common programs which allow customised skins are [[instant messenger]]s and [[media player]]s, such as [[Winamp]], due to the association with fun such programs try to encourage. However, in programs which use a [[cross-platform]] [[GUI toolkit]], rather than using the standard interface for the [[operating system]] on which they are running, it is relatively easy to add functionality to alter this interface from within the program. For instance, the [[Mozilla]] [[web browser]] is skinnable because the entire interface is written in [[XUL]], making it easy to customise. |
The most common programs which allow customised skins are [[instant messenger]]s and [[media player]]s, such as [[Winamp]], due to the association with fun such programs try to encourage. However, in programs which use a [[cross-platform]] [[GUI toolkit]], rather than using the standard interface for the [[operating system]] on which they are running, it is relatively easy to add functionality to alter this interface from within the program. For instance, the [[Mozilla]] [[web browser]] is skinnable because the entire interface is written in [[XUL]], making it easy to customise. |
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The benefit of skinning in user interfaces is disputed. While some find it useful or pleasant to be able to change the appearance of software they use, a changed appearance can complicate [[technical support]] and training. A user interface that has been extensively customized by one person may appear totally unfamiliar to another person who knows the same software under a different appearance. |
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Revision as of 19:48, 1 February 2004
In computing, skins and themes are custom graphical appearances (GUIs) that can be applied to certain software in order to suit the different tastes of different users. Such software is referred to as being skinnable, and the process of writing or applying such a skin is known as skinning. Applying a skin changes a piece of software's look and feel - some skins merely make the program more aesthetically pleasing, but others can rearrange elements of the interface, potentially making the program easier to use.
The most common programs which allow customised skins are instant messengers and media players, such as Winamp, due to the association with fun such programs try to encourage. However, in programs which use a cross-platform GUI toolkit, rather than using the standard interface for the operating system on which they are running, it is relatively easy to add functionality to alter this interface from within the program. For instance, the Mozilla web browser is skinnable because the entire interface is written in XUL, making it easy to customise.
The benefit of skinning in user interfaces is disputed. While some find it useful or pleasant to be able to change the appearance of software they use, a changed appearance can complicate technical support and training. A user interface that has been extensively customized by one person may appear totally unfamiliar to another person who knows the same software under a different appearance.
In computer gaming and virtual reality, a skin is either an image which is used to texture a player's avatar, or a complete 3D model which defines the avatar. They are particularly popular in first-person shooters, with many such games having many hundreds of player-created skins, ranging from TV characters to complex imaginary creatures.