Windows 9
A proposal for Windows 9 in the attempt of addressing some of the usability issues windows 8 currently has.
Introduction
This exercise is to explore the possibilities of the next Microsoft OS and identify some of the usability issues windows 8 currently has. One of our primary goals is to find ways to unify all windows devices by designing one operating system.
Problems
- memory overload, flat style reduce discoverability
- low information density, overly live tiles backfire
- weak on tablets, terrible for PCs
Big Screens vs Small Screens
The screen size for each device suggests different medium of navigation. Metro design creates one of the biggest usability issues for larger screens.
Metro design simplifies user interface which helps smaller devices such as mobile phones and tablets because they are mostly used for multimedia purposes. However, the over simplified user interface creates an hinderance for desktop users because of its low information density.
Windows Tiles and Affordance
Although Windows tiles take up a lot of screen real estate, the low information density can still cause high visual fatigue because of color contrast and dynamic content inside the tiles.
Wireframes
We explored various ways of displaying information and interactions with different devices.
We are taking references from other mobile devices, TV interfaces, desktop OS and also borrowing elements from the current Windows 8.1 design.
There is a lot of potential with the Metro design, but we need to evaluate and address some of the usability issues it currently has before integrating some of the components as part of our Windows 9 concepts.
Suggestions
One of the ideas is to bring back skeuomorphism to some of the key navigation elements and UI. Visual cues are one of the key elements to guide our users but flat design lacks affordances and visibility.
Work In Process
This project is still currently in development. Please come back later for more.