Microsoft Vista User Interface Guidelines Published

SEMW writes "Microsoft has published the preliminary Official User Interface Guidelines for Windows Vista. Highlights include Top 12 Rules for the Windows Vista User Experience — and the use of screenshots from Windows XP as examples of what not to do. The full guidelines are as yet incomplete, but what is there makes for interesting reading."

Comments

The Rules:

[iluvcapra]

(emphasized elaborations mine)

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 (transparency) 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 (have a little iTunes style search box in your window's corner when appropriate)
9. Use the Windows Vista tone in all UI text (use a professional writing style in you informative text)
10. Clean up the user interface
11. Use notifications judiciously
12. Reserve development time for "fit and finish"!