Windows 8's learning curve to be addressed

Microsoft: Windows 8's learning curve needs addressing - Neowin

Microsoft Chief Marketing Officer Tami Reller has been speaking to The New York Times in relation to Windows Blue (Windows 8.1), the next big update to Windows 8 that will be released later this year. According to Reller, Microsoft acknowledge that Windows 8's learning curve is an issue, saying that it's "real and needs to be addressed," while she mentioned that some aspects of Windows 8 will be made easier to learn in Windows 8.1.

Reller didn't specify exactly what will be changed in Windows Blue – she mentioned more details will be unveiled during and in the lead up to BUILD 2013 – although she hinted the tutorial will be adjusted. "We need to help [users] learn faster,” and that's not being accomplished by the poor tutorial in Windows 8 that only shows new users how to open the Charms menu.

One aspect of Windows 8.1, which at this stage is only rumored to be coming back in the update, that should abate the steep learning curve is the Start button. Although the accompanying Start menu will likely not be returning, the visual familiarity of the Start button will make it easier for people to make the jump without getting lost, as currently Windows 8 doesn't feature any visual clues about how to return to the Start screen from the desktop.

Despite the learning curve of Windows 8, it continues to sell relatively well; Microsoft announced several days ago that they've sold more than 100 million Windows 8 licenses. Expect to see more information in relation to Windows Blue in the coming weeks, as Microsoft has promised to reveal more info ahead of BUILD including pricing and packaging specifics.
 
Design problem number 1 I see with the Start button being on the Taskbar on the Desktop: What happens when you snap the Reader app in a 50/50 split with the Desktop? Now where the Start button would had been is now at the center of the screen instead of being a fast throw of the mouse pointer to the bottom left corner. It's the same issue that arose with the Developer Preview and was addressed in the Consumer Preview, that UI model of modern apps snapped to the Desktop DOES NOT function with ease. A better idea I would think would be to have the Start icon instead of the Start thumbnail however, and put the word "Start" under it as it is on the Charms bar.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
A much better idea is to have a start menu.

From the noises they are making, it seems they are going to attempt an ambush instead.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Despite the learning curve of Windows 8, it continues to sell relatively well

What is he talking about ?

Relative to what ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Learning curse my *ss..... just how stupid do these idiots think we are. There is no learning curve on this dumbed down festering spaghetti of an OS. The majority of people have no problem whatsoever figuring out that metro, is a spaghetti. Plain and simple. They figure it out, and fast. They can stick their learning curve where the sun don't shine.

Give us what we want, or blue will be an even bigger flop than 8 was. Learn that...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
There's no need to mince about the bush.

You can just say what you mean.

:roflmao:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
1) It is hard to believe they released it like this. Unintuitive with low discoverability.Finding out where MS have bizarrely hidden things is an annoyance for many.

2) Once they know where they everything is - now comes the biggest problem. They realise it is worse for use on a regular pc.

3) I expect the most loathed feature is forcing the start screen.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I still have yet to speak with anyone in the circles I frequent, who actually likes it. Not a one, and I speak with IT people all across America and Canada.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
    CPU
    Processor AMD Athlon(tm) II X4 635 Processor, 2800 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
    Memory
    8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 460
MS have clearly got to come up with something much, much better this time around.

The few announcements MS have made don't inspire much confidence.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I still have yet to speak with anyone in the circles I frequent, who actually likes it. Not a one, and I speak with IT people all across America and Canada.

And I speak with people who are the target demographic of a consumer operating system, and very few actually don't like it. Everyone else is either indifferent to it or they like it better than 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
And I speak with people who are the target demographic of a consumer operating system, and very few actually don't like it. Everyone else is either indifferent to it or they like it better than 7.

And I've talked with friends and family who were looking at new computers and many said they don't like Windows 8 and wanted my recommendations as to where they could still get Windows 7.

I have been unable to convince many in my office that after enabling boot to desktop (Start8 or classicShell), and putting a start menu back (start8 or classicshell), that Windows 8 really isn't an issue. Many still don't seem to want it and strongly prefer to stay on 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
And I speak with people who are the target demographic of a consumer operating system, and very few actually don't like it. Everyone else is either indifferent to it or they like it better than 7.

And I've talked with friends and family who were looking at new computers and many said they don't like Windows 8 and wanted my recommendations as to where they could still get Windows 7.

I have been unable to convince many in my office that after enabling boot to desktop (Start8 or classicShell), and putting a start menu back (start8 or classicshell), that Windows 8 really isn't an issue. Many still don't seem to want it and strongly prefer to stay on 7.

And yet I can still easily convince people to move on from 7 since it's just simple faster and better. Although I will say I've had a few people be resistant to it, but after I configured 8 properly as I normally do, they end up being OK with it. A few other people said they will research it themselves, and come back to me saying, "Isn't Windows 8 for touchscreens only?" And I say, "I've been using Windows 8 since the Developer Preview back in 2011 with my mouse and have a better say of how it works with a mouse than some random author who used it for a less than a month."
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I could also set it up for them and eventually they would be "ok" with it. It's the fact that they don't even want to try, and are resistant right from the start to says a lot.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I could also set it up for them and eventually they would be "ok" with it. It's the fact that they don't even want to try, and are resistant right from the start to says a lot.

I guess you can say it does say a lot, because obvious there isn't a lot familiar about it right off the bat. Since there isn't a lot familiar about it, there is hesitation and resistance. That can't be changed other than keeping the SAME thing. But then that goes to a bigger picture of that can't happen for Microsoft anymore.

Then if you do try it and learn it, that has a tendency of changing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Im finding windows 8 to be awesome..

I was a hardcore win 2k & win 7 advocate, hated everything inbetween...

At first i was frustrated and annoyed at 8, until I gave up trying to go to the start button out of muscle memory or reflex!

(f3) from the desktop will be your new friend, it will direct you to what you want quickly, then youll always know where to find it from then on...

Mouse: forget using the laptop touchpad. Get an external 5 button mouse! yes 5 button... My preference is the Microsoft Intellimouse optical from waaaay back.. The buttons are exactly where i like them..
With my thumb I can (go back)
index finger = left click & scroll + third button
Middle finger = right click
and ring finger = forward

The forward and back buttons are incredible time savers and you dont have to move the mouse to the top of the screen to move through pages..

The scroll wheel on the mouse lets you scroll left & right which is windows 8 virtual extended desktop in their tiled apps.. And their horizontal scrolling in their apps like news & such..

I believe another factor why people are getting annoyed with Win 8 is the fact that theyre trying to get something done while also learning the new architecture of the OS, double whammy! Play around with Win8 install apps, see where they go and how they work before trying to juggle work with a new work environment...

I agree things are hidden in Win 8 and some things are just flat out dumb. But this is their first release, as we complain they will hopefully fix.... Give 8 a decent shot, get the mouse! Im already looking for another one as a backup, i expect to wear this one out in a year or so and it hasnt been made in a decade!

I was hardcore 7 user, now it sits abandoned as my other boot option....

David
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 & Windows 7 Dual Boot
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP G60
    CPU
    AMD Turion RM-70 Dual Core 2.0 GHZ
    Memory
    3 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8200M G
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Mouse
    MS Intellipoint 5 button (love it!)
    Browser
    Chrome and Chromium
    Antivirus
    Avast Free & Malwarebytes
I could also set it up for them and eventually they would be "ok" with it. It's the fact that they don't even want to try, and are resistant right from the start to says a lot.

I guess you can say it does say a lot, because obvious there isn't a lot familiar about it right off the bat. Since there isn't a lot familiar about it, there is hesitation and resistance. That can't be changed other than keeping the SAME thing. But then that goes to a bigger picture of that can't happen for Microsoft anymore.

Then if you do try it and learn it, that has a tendency of changing.

I guess when people see me put back the start button, boot them to desktop, set default apps to not launch metro apps, and more or less remove all significant Windows 8 visual changes they wonder, "what is the point"?

Had an executive who didn't have a pdf reader installed and was using the built in reader. After about 30 minutes of trying to figure out how to print, he came to me. I showed him devices in the charms bar. He was a bit shocked that this basic function was so unintuitive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I could also set it up for them and eventually they would be "ok" with it. It's the fact that they don't even want to try, and are resistant right from the start to says a lot.

I guess you can say it does say a lot, because obvious there isn't a lot familiar about it right off the bat. Since there isn't a lot familiar about it, there is hesitation and resistance. That can't be changed other than keeping the SAME thing. But then that goes to a bigger picture of that can't happen for Microsoft anymore.

Then if you do try it and learn it, that has a tendency of changing.

I guess when people see me put back the start button, boot them to desktop, set default apps to not launch metro apps, and more or less remove all significant Windows 8 visual changes they wonder, "what is the point"?

Had an executive who didn't have a pdf reader installed and was using the built in reader. After about 30 minutes of trying to figure out how to print, he came to me. I showed him devices in the charms bar. He was a bit shocked that this basic function was so unintuitive.
What is the point then if it's just Windows 7.1? Which is also exactly the case why Microsoft did what they did. If Windows 8 just that, 7.1, what would even be the point in upgrading? Faster boot times? Windows Defender? Storage Spaces? To the common user, that isn't always a talking point. Something like the People app where it aggregates your twitter and facebook into one consolidated view is one. Having your calendar notifications appear on a live tile, lock screen, and notification toast is one. People do a LOT of interweb eating these days, and Windows 7 does nothing other than promote the double boot: boot once into Windows, boot twice into a web browsers.

Also, people seem to mistake familiarity with intuitiveness. That's not the case. A very un-intuitive system may seem intuitive to some because of familiarity with something similar. A very intuitive system that is less familiar and can be called "less intuitive," because it differs significantly from the familiar. Basically, how something like Windows 7 operates and is used doesn't apply all the way through with Windows 8. So how an exec you know couldn't figure out how to print in the Reader app because there isn't a File drop down menu, Print... UI design doesn't necessarily mean opening the Charms and hitting Devices to print isn't unintuitive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Cokie
Since there isn't a lot familiar about it, there is hesitation and resistance

No.

It is not just because it is different.

It is being rejected because it is worse.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Cokie
Since there isn't a lot familiar about it, there is hesitation and resistance

No.

It is not because it is different.

It is being rejected because it is worse.
Yeah. Exactly. Ok.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
One burning question is "Why should we have to set up Windows 8 for anyone?" Why is the high and mighty Microsoft Corporation not smart enough to set it up like this out of the box? Personally, after about a month and a lot of customizing I like most (but not all) of the changes in 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP P2-1334
    CPU
    AMD Fusion E1-1200
    Motherboard
    Pegatron APXD1-DM (Redwood A)
    Memory
    Upgaded to PNY 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 7310
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio (onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP w1707
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    WD 500 GB (onboard)
    + many,many external USB hard drives
    PSU
    stock
    Case
    stock
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    HP wireless 5187-4099
    Mouse
    Logitech laser wireless M325
    Internet Speed
    DL 6.99 mb/s......UL 3.34 mb/s
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox v.20.0.1
    Antivirus
    Norton......CCCleaner 64......Zone Alarm
Back
Top