Former Xerox PARC Researcher: Windows 8 Is a Cognitive Burden

New submitter LiroXIV writes "You know you've messed up big time when someone related to the development of one of the first graphical interfaces for computers thinks you've messed up. Usability expert Raluca Budiu has shared the common conclusion for many about Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8; it's definitely not as user-friendly as past versions. Quoting: 'The advantage of the overlaid menu is that it preserves context. Cognitively, there’s more of a burden when you have to switch context twice (desktop->start screen; start screen -> desktop). There are reasons to force users to switch contexts, especially in the tablet or phone environment, where screen real-estate is a lot more expensive and a menu is forced to use only part of the (already-small) screen. In that situation, a separate page makes better use of the small screen space. There are fewer reasons for a separate page on a desktop – the start menu is a cheaper interaction than the start page.'"

Comments

Microsof, once again the posterchild for stupidity

[synthespian]

- Who says I want to stick my arm out 300 times a day and put a greasy finger on the screen? I am lazy. At least, DEVELOP KINECT FOR NOTEBOOKS YOU DUMB FUCKS. That would be a smart move (I would sit back and do a hand gesture in the air, while eating my ice scream. Yummy!)
  But really, we are lazy. If we wanted to waste a lot of energy moving screens, we would be clamoring for a Wii platform on which we would perform a little tap dance to open a folder. Great cardio! But I just do it in my other room.

- Why did Microsoft ignore *tons* of research on user interfaces? TONS. Hear, hear, a f*ing former Xerox f*ing PARC f*ing expert says it's F*ING DUMB (By the way: Ubuntu - you suck too - big, big time).

- The best interface for Windows was made by an expert: http://humanized.com/enso/ It uses modal touch. What? Yeah. Something to do with airline carriers and pilots not screwing the flight plan. I don't use the Start Menu, I don't go looking for clickitty thingys, I just hold tab and write: "open firefox" and - abracadabra - it opens.

  Please, "specialized press", check Enso out (it's free - now - and I am not affiliated with them) this out before coming to stupid conclusions about Windows 8 and its Grease Screen and Big Squares grand ideas for interfaces.