Windows 8: Design over Usability

While many critics have decried Windows 8 as another Microsoft misstep, I think they’re wrong. After using the new operating system in all its incarnations on a phone, on Microsoft’s Surface tablet, and on several desktops, I’ve come to regard it as truly transformative. Windows 8 will well serve the needs of those nontechnical users who just want to access their online social networks, watch Netflix, and go shopping—especially since the underlying system provides more security while making it easier for them to find, download, and install their (Microsoft-approved) apps. Windows 8 does a poor job of catering to knowledge workers like me who earn a living by synthesizing information from multiple data sources or use application programs that have hundreds of specialized features. But those brain-heavy office workers do not represent Microsoft’s present or future.

Windows 8: Design over Usability | MIT Technology Review

It all sounds kind of familiar.
 
Not a bad story, pretty much what I've been saying, Windows 8 is the future, it still has a few minor problems to sort out, but it's a good first step.

I don't think Windows 8 is confusing anymore than IOS or Android, every OS has things hidden, even Windows 7 etc. I think the major problem is that Windows 8 is too easy, people are looking for problems that just aren't there.

Once you get used to the Hotspots and Charms, Windows 8 is faster to get around than all previous Windows IMO.
 

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It's clean design and flexible usability. It takes knowledge to take advantage of it.

If you want to talk about hidden, on ios, you have to double tap the home button to open the running apps bar. You have to pull down from the top to show a notification center.
 

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    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
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As the writer said, great for consumers of the Android/Apple ilk, but not for those who want to do work. It pretty much reflects what many have said here.
 

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So, what I get from the above quote is that only people who don't know anything about computers like Windows 8. OK.
 

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As the writer said, great for consumers of the Android/Apple ilk, but not for those who want to do work. It pretty much reflects what many have said here.
Well that doesn't really make sense because even people using Surface Pro are using Photoshop and Illustrator and other heavy lifters and seem to be managing.
I'd imagine that Windows 8 would be more than suitable for well over 80% of the population, and even the other 20% would be able to find workarounds, with only a handful that couldn't.
Is it 100% perfect no, no OS is, but I still say its a pretty good first step.
 

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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
If people actually bothered to read the entire article, then they may actually understand subsequent comments, rather than being the person that comes in halfway through a conversation and acts like they know what's going on.
 

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If people actually bothered to read the entire article, then they may actually understand subsequent comments, rather than being the person that comes in halfway through a conversation and acts like they know what's going on.

I assume that was aimed at me.

Actually I read every word.

As for 'understanding', I understand just fine. I also find it interesting that you opted to immediately try to smack me down for having a different POV. Classy.
 

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It was aimed at all those who failed to understand the point of the article.
 

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It was aimed at all those who failed to understand the point of the article.
The way I read it, the article is wrong, just because that is someone's opinion, and it's written, doesn't mean it's correct.

I know what the point of the article is, and so do most others, you enlighten us with your version.

Actually it's not entirely wrong, just a couple of points.
 

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It's clear that anyone that points to what many see as some obvious failures of the Windows 8 interface, as mentioned many times in this forum already, are always wrong (in the eyes of a few). Clearly the world is beginning to realise the shortcomings and are saying as much.
 

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It's clear that anyone that points to what many see as some obvious failures of the Windows 8 interface, as mentioned many times in this forum already, are always wrong (in the eyes of a few). Clearly the world is beginning to realise the shortcomings and are saying as much.
Well from what I've seen around the net more people are becoming used to the new way of working and the rubbishing has dropped dramatically. Websites are starting to post positive articles on the new Windows 8 Notebooks and convertibles etc.

Lets not forget nearly all of Microsofts attempts at something new have been greeted with a wall of derision including XP, and yet some of these things have been world class.
 

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From someone who goes on, and on, and on and on, like this: BillWindows's comments on CNET (Excellent Apple predictions on page 368 as well).

And like this: First iPad Mini shipments pushed to 2 weeks | Apple - CNET News (Really interesting comments and subsequent feedback).

As one poster put it:

I don't know why BillWindows continues on his crusade. Every single time he says Apple is going to fail at something, every single time he's wrong, but he continues on. He really does believe he's going to turn the tide against Apple with all his lies, insults and negativity.

He's on a one-man crusade against Apple and even the CNET writers are getting tired of his schtick. Jason Parker sarcastically mocked him for saying he owns "several" Apple devices the other day.

No one even believes his lies, but he soldiers on, oblivious to the fact that he has lost.

You'd think there'd be a slightly different tune when it came to Windows users, but nope, same old, same old.
 

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    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
From someone who goes on, and on, and on and on, like this: BillWindows's comments on CNET (Excellent Apple predictions on page 368 as well).

And like this: First iPad Mini shipments pushed to 2 weeks | Apple - CNET News (Really interesting comments and subsequent feedback).

As one poster put it:

I don't know why BillWindows continues on his crusade. Every single time he says Apple is going to fail at something, every single time he's wrong, but he continues on. He really does believe he's going to turn the tide against Apple with all his lies, insults and negativity.

He's on a one-man crusade against Apple and even the CNET writers are getting tired of his schtick. Jason Parker sarcastically mocked him for saying he owns "several" Apple devices the other day.

No one even believes his lies, but he soldiers on, oblivious to the fact that he has lost.

You'd think there'd be a slightly different tune when it came to Windows users, but nope, same old, same old.
Sorry, busy installing Ubuntu on an old Notebook, dont know who that is, must be another BillWindows. I've got an email from Jason saying he enjoys my stuff, I mean the other BillWindows has.
I think that BillWindows bought one of the first Minis in the world.
Oh, and so far I think Ubuntu is better than Mint.

Sent form Ubuntu 12.10.
 

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Windows 8 has a clean and has a nice design for usability. Most older windows users will use the desktop which works well if you have a good computer speed wise. The clean design allows for evryone to be amazed as for the live tile set up and the windows store polish off windows 8.
 

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    Windows 8
just because that is someone's opinion, and it's written, doesn't mean it's correct.

How I wish many of the Windows 8 disciples who come across sounding like Redmond can do no wrong and Windows 8 is the salvation of the world, would read that and look in the mirror.

It used to be that if you needed a heavy duty industrial strength OS with which to do content creation (as opposed to content consumption) work, Windows was your choice. Now it appears that as apps convert to the "Modern", single Window UI it will become a me too, ios wannabe look-alike.

Just my opinion and that doesn't mean it is correct. :D
 

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Some people believe one thing and not another. For tho it is an opinionit is not always equal so its not factual. There's always bias aginist something or with something so they leave stuff out. Life I don't pay attention when people say they don't like the design but each design might fit your individual feel and taste.
 

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    Windows 8
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