When deciding whether or not to use a link or a button, I have one simple rule - links are for going, buttons are for doing.  Take this example from the Microsoft Windows Vista photo printing wizard.

While I may have some improvements in mind for the layout, the usage of standard (or now standard) components is spot-on.  Buttons are used to alter the flow (continue or exit) whereas links are used for navigation.

The links bring up additional configuration dialogs that alter the print operation but keep you in the flow.  While this has the potential for distracting you from the flow with multiple nested dialogs the likelihood of usage detracts from that concern.

Concern should be expressed at the over-usage of links in desktop applications but like any new component, designers will get a better feel for them over time.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 at 7:21 pm and is filed under Usability. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.