Windows 8 is not a Usability Disaster

Jakob Nielsen is one of the most respected usability experts in the field of computer-human interaction so his opinions on Windows 8 are a must read.  While many of his points are well-taken, I don't think Windows 8 is dissappointing.  If anything, it is misunderstood.

The Double Desktop Problem

I understand the confusion surronding the two interfaces, but I also understand the utility.  The desktop is there because, well, it's the desktop - safe, familiar, and comfortable.  Microsoft's intent is to do away with the desktop because they believe they have a better, more sophisticated and modern interface solution.  But the desktop is so iconic that its replacement has to be gradual.  With that said, the Start Screen (Modern UI) is not a second desktop in Windows 8.  It is a glorified Start Button that serves as a single entry point to all of your applications.

Lack of Multiple Windows

As a software developer, I have more windows open any just about anyone.  I must have a multiple monitor set-up.  Windows 8 supports my need to view and see multiple windows on a multi-monitor desktop environment, but also scales very well to the laptop and tablet form factor which is a must for a modern operating system.  Regardless, Alt-Shift is a staple of Windows for quickly shifting between windows as are tabs in the browser.  Both functions remain in Windows 8.

Flat UI

Microsoft has addressed the usability decisions behind the flat (Modern) UI.  In the early days of the graphical user interface, designers made clickable objects look like buttons to let users know that the object could be interacted with.  The button analogy is no longer needed today because people know how to use graphical interfaces.  With this in mind, the decision was to remove "chrome" from the UI to focus on content.

Low Information Density

Nielsen points out some examples of Modern UI applications that offer low information density and his points are clear.  However, there are apps that do not suffer from this problem.  USA Today, ESPN, and Xbox Smartglass offer a generous amount of on-screen information is a beautiful interface.

 

 

Other points made by Nielsen I think are merely learning points which are acceptable for a new operating system.  Live Tiles are a great tool when used properly (which Nielsen says).  The Charms work in a very similiar manner to the well-known taskbar.  You just have to "learn" to use it.  Windows 8 is gesture heavy, but once you learn it you are better off.

 

New technology requires some learning.  Windows 8 learning curve is about half-an-hour to a hour for any user well aquanited with a previous Windows OS.

 

Windows 8.  It's pretty darn good.