When Microsoft Office 2007 was released, long time users had a serious freak-out over the new “ribbon” style toolbar. I remember numerous people in the office asking me if there was a way to revert back to “the normal view.” Sure, it took me a little to get used to it, but in a very short time, I appreciated the change.
As Microsoft enjoys the success of Windows 7, they are hoping to build on that success with Windows 8 and leave Vista further behind.
As usual, screen shots of UI dev leaks out, and it would appear as though Windows 8 will continue to build on the “ribbon” style:
It certainly doesn’t seem revolutionary.
Do you think Microsoft is moving in the right direction?
[via Within Windows]
Daniel says
So Microsoft is progressing Windows development by introducing more clutter? To me, it just looks like a waste of the top 200 or so pixels on every window. But I’m a minimalist, so “less is more” in my book.
Eric Dye says
Maybe if it was a drop-down or something?
I don’t need all those toolbar options looking at me all the time.
Eric Frisch says
Agreed – I love Windows 7, but this basically just looks like Windows 7 with a bunch of extra crap taking up space on my screen. No good.
Eric Dye says
Brilliant!
( I giggled a little.)
Kyle Karpack says
I just don’t really like the ribbon. I’ve tried and tried to like it, and I am certainly used to it, but there are interfaces that I much prefer. I hope they rethink this or allow for other options
Eric Dye says
Word.
BenJPickett says
It looks like SharePoint 2010 when you’re developing and administering lists. This works great when you have a whole lot of changes to make and need effective organization of 100s commands and options.
What I’m seeing from these isn’t Windows 8 as MS has already announced Windows 8 will support multiple devices of different form factors including tablets and other handhelds. To effectively pull this off well, MS will have to create a very common experience on all those devices, and that does mean cutting out clutter, I think Windows 7 is a great start towards that but still not quiet there.
What I’m seeing in this is an add-on or extension to Windows 7 to add the “Ribbon” system into file managament. I don’t see the carrot to make that all go away, I hope it shows up before any public testing happens.
Eric Dye says
Good thoughts. Very insightful.
Thank you for sharing!
BenJPickett says
Something like this may carry over to Windows 8 as it does leverage quick access by giving the user a maximum of 3 clicks to do just about everything. If it does, I think it would be a big mistake to not give the user the ability to minimize it and give them the option for basic or advanced views each at 1 click of the mouse, or Kinect or whatever.
The ability to leverage what the Ribbon has become in Windows 8 for all files would be a nice addition. I personally don’t know how it could be done well from small screens with inaccurate touch tools such as fingers, maintain a clean and organized UI, be compatible across multiple resolutions and screen sizes, and preserve a neat and clean screen real estate. If these really are part of 8, I hope that MS is considering this hurdle.
Eric Dye says
Bill Gates needs to call you.
Seriously.
BenJPickett says
Well thanks… Getting in at MS is no easy task though, I’ve gotten my foot in the door and they almost took my leg! The problem is you apply for each department as if you were applying for an entirely different company, so you could in theory go through dozens of interviews and walk out as if you hadn’t even gone to their job posting web site.
Living only a couple hours away, I do have a few friends that work their full time… and more that used to. They all have many things to say about the hiring process and most of it is akin to having teeth pulled without Novocain.
Eric Dye says
Yikes!
Marc says
No.
Eric Dye says
😉