As many of you are aware, Windows 8 is a hot topic right now. Rumors abound and walk circles around what little factual data we have about Microsoft’s next OS, but there are perpetual truths to be found in the aspects of how Microsoft develops each new version of Windows. For instance, we know that Microsoft gives the UI a face-lift in each new major release. In knowing that, we can only wait and see what’s to come down the pike… or, we can be proactive and seek out information for ourselves to help us glean what little insight we can!
With that said, it’s no secret that Microsoft goes through some pretty drastic user interface ideas in the early stages of planning. For instance, have a look at the following video to see what Microsoft’s early ideas were for what ultimately ended up becoming Windows Vista:
Bearing that in mind, to say that Microsoft has most certainly been at work on user interface ideas for Windows 8 is to state the obvious. However, recent Google research of mine has revealed specific insights into some of this planning. In particular, Microsoft R&D India was tasked last year with overseeing an “…academic – industry collaborative project…” consisting of the creation of “…new and innovative interfaces and user experiences for the next generation Operating system Windows 8 for information workers.” To further quote the portfolio of Manoj Manduva (one of the individuals directly involved with the project):
Problem: Windows is the most used operating system around the world and majority of them are information workers who have very unique work profiles and need unique interfaces to be designed as part of OS. This project was a combination of both User centered and Activity Centered design approach with focus on design research.
There are three types of Information workers – Structured Task Workers – Business worker and Data Entry worker. We have interviewed all the three type of audience and observed usage patterns and the way they interact with the operating system in everyday environment. After identifying the pain areas and design opportunities, design concepts have been generated.
Some of the concepts are Skew Plane visualization of the desktop which would enhance the space utilization by accommodating more data in the available desktop real estate. The others are in the areas of folder management and touch screen interactions.
Outcome: Design document submitted to Microsoft Corporation.
Accompanied along with his portfolio are images from what appear to be excerpts from the design document submitted to Microsoft. Though not revealing from a UI perspective, it’s worth noting these simply for the chance that we may end up seeing one or more of these changes appear in Windows 8.
Concept: Multiple Desktops / Flip
As you can see, the document suggests not only the usage of multiple desktops, but a “flip” feature with a fancy animation that changes from advanced to classic UI mode. Though interesting, neither of these suggestions are new. Windows NT had an application that allowed for multiple desktops way back when. Likewise, Microsoft has made it readily apparent time-and-time again that the request for baked-in multiple desktop functionality is amongst the lowest of end-user priorities. And as for the “flip” animation, this shoddy image of an internal 2004 pre-Windows Vista prototype has Manoj and company bested by ~6 years:
On page two, I reveal the rest of what Manoj’s portfolio offers us, continue to opine on what we’re shown, and conclude by leaving the ball in your court.
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Windows 8: Multiple desktops, smart sticky notes, and more | ZDNet
via zdnet.com