Windows 8 Users' new Mantra, "Nine, Nine, Nine!"

For years, Windows has tried to be like Apple, from style to functionality, to even it's popularity, but for some reason, they are always playing catch up.  Well Windows 8 definitely shows their heart is in the right place...

 However, where their heart is, doesn't help the users get the job done.  If you want it short and sweet, Windows 8 users will soon be crying out for Nine, Nine, Nine!

Introducing Microsoft Window 8, (Yes, singular - Window)

Now that we have cleared that up, please note that Windows 8 should be renamed “Window 8”, because it only supports one window at a time... no really, just one window.  Now understandably, when running on a tablet with on the move users with clipboard access, a single window with large target buttons makes sense, but on a laptop?  Someone at Microsoft thought, hey, why don’t we just use this on all our computers?  We will tell you why, because it doesn’t make ergonomic sense to portray a touch screen interface when you are using a mouse and keyboard.  It’s akin to giving an architect a crayon and asking him to draft a blueprint. 

Two Mints in One…

Interestingly enough, Windows 8 encompasses two UI styles within one product. Windows 8 on mobile devices and tablets and on a regular PC, Windows 8, but astonishingly enough the two environments work differently, making for an inconsistent user experience.  So for some features what is true for one environment is useless in another.  Where does that leave you?  Memorizing separate feature sets for a given environment.

Charming

As for functionality, it’s there, but it lacks in some of the intuitive areas.  In short, the system is wanting in charm, i.e., Window 8 plays hide and go seek with the familiar useful functions like search, share, email, etc. under “charms”. The charms are a panel of icons that slide in from the screen's right side after a flicking gesture from its right edge (on a tablet) or after pointing the mouse to the screen's upper-right corner (on a computer).  The charms panel includes features like Search, Share (including email), and Settings that apply to whatever content the user is currently viewing.  You would think that it would be great to have these commands universally available in a single, uniform design that's always accessed the same way.  In short, if you’re going to use this interface, charm school is in order.

MadMen

With the advent of the retro art deco look of the MadMen series, we find many recent advertisements reflecting this stark look.  Know that this has not been lost with Microsoft.  In fact, as with many of today’s male youth, Microsoft’s look has gone “Metro”.  As the term suggests, there is definitely some identity confusion here.  Apparently, Windows has gone Madmen.  If you are a big fan of 1980 graphics, well your interface has arrived.  Basic color splash, with monochromatic icons with little to no indication which selection is active.

So in conclusion, Windows 8, should be called Window 8, presents an inconsistent interface between devices that use it, makes you hunt for functionality, and has regressed to a 2 dimensional look and feel.  Other than that, it's great.

We could go on, but you get the point… Wait for Windows Nine, Nine, Nine!

Source(s):

• http://www.useit.com/alertbox/windows-8.html

So “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more

About Rick Ricker

An IT professional with over 20 years experience in Information Security, Telecommunications, wireless broadband, network and Infrastructure design, development, and support.

For more information, contact Rick at (800) 333-8394 x 689

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