Microsoft has announced the UI requirements for Windows Vista. It seems that even Microsoft has a 12 step program:
1. Use the Aero Theme and System Font (Segoe UI)
2. Use common controls and common dialogs
3. Use the standard window frame, use glass judiciously
4. Use icons and graphics consistent with the Windows Vista style and quality
5. Use task dialogs for new or frequently used dialog boxes and error messages
6. Use Aero Wizards
7. Use Explorer-hosted, navigation-based user interfaces, provide a Back button
8. Use the standard Windows Search
9. Use the Windows Vista tone in all UI text
10. Clean up the user interface
11. Use notifications judiciously
12. Reserve development time for “fit and finish”!
They even have an area for “Top Guidelines Violations” in which suggestions are a little funny.
Tone
They suggest tone changes - specifically, don’t say “Cannot delete New Text Document: Access is denied.”(note: this is listed as acceptable), but use the kinder, gentler tone of “This file is protected and cannot be deleted without specific permission.” Check out more on Tone, its actually an interesting read, in that English Teacher/Therapist kind of way…
Technology
When Windows 98/ME upgraded to XP, I noticed changes in the way descriptions are outlined and Vista is no different. Microsoft recommends Technology Uses as well. They recommend “Goal Based” choices instead of Technology Based choices. Case in point:
Don’t Use:
Use:
In my opinion the first example in the first screenshot is fine. The second in the first is a bit reaching and I don’t think a programmer would use such wording. The second makes me feel like a nitwit.
Folder Levels
Microsoft also wants you to not put items too deep, or break things down into subfolders. So, if you have Logitech Software installed, they’ve violated the UI recommendations. Case in point on my computer: Logitech:MouseWare:Mouseware.exe (bad). For a graphical representation, look no further than Microsoft’s Screenshots.
Bad:
Good:
Embedding Microsoft
Perhaps what gets me interested the most in this is the all out attempt to get developers to incorporate the OS into every bit of their software. Notice that Microsoft recommends using Windows based Wizards, Icons, Explorer and the “glass” theme in their software. So, to sum it up, in four of the 12 steps (ie: 1/3′rd), Microsoft recommends embedding Windows into your software. Sounds like more anti-trust issues to me.
Afterthoughts
While I understand that getting everyone on the same page of music is a Good Thing™, getting therapeutic on your users to make them feel all warm and fuzzy is getting a little old.
