Microsoft l The beginning and fear

With the jump to Windows 8 Microsoft has become bipolar operating system.A face was adapted to the touch, ModernUI, with great pictures of asset information, photos and social networking. Layer has a second family, the traditional desktop, where it still runs a lot of programs that have not adapted to the new interface. Two ways of looking at the same computer and, of course, a problem. Many users do not just get used to the new interface c omo the former is just a couple of clicks away live in constant change between the two desktop metaphors. To what extent is a headache to Redmond? All indications are that the next version will retrieve the famous Start button, now disappeared. This might not be a big step backwards, despite appearances. would button the current home of Modern UI (animated pictures collection and apps) instead of displaying the familiar menu of Windows 7, Vista or XP. But there is one important detail is that this version might also allow direct loading to the traditional desktop when you turn on the computer, instead of going through the new interface. This really is a step back and proof-is-in my view that in Microsoft lack belief in their own product. This is what I think, differentiates Microsoft from other aftermarket companies like Apple or Google. Not stand negative pressure to change. I should never have thrown together ModernUI interface to the traditional desktop. If you really think this is the best operating environment as we move into an era hybrid between touch and mouse, should have gone to 100% for it and endure the initial rejection brings any major changes ( the negative reaction to change is common regardless of the quality of design).

The case Facebook

This lesson and others have learned. Facebook is famous for arousing the ire of its users with every change, so subtle strategy has been adopted. The changes reach only a small group of users first, with a small dose of what in English is known as A / B testing , slight variations to test the market reaction. Gradually widens the number of people with access to new features and thus avoiding mass reaction to the change . First, because few users are exposed at each step of the process ( User X: since when Facebook has your design is terrible User Y:  But if it takes months active!, eventually you get used to it. ). Second, it creates the feeling of belonging to an exclusive club (User Y:  I have given the design change before that User X! ). Microsoft can not afford this strategy. Changes have to be for all users at once. Apple suffered a similar problem over MacOS 9 and MacOS X. During the early versions users could access the "Classic Desktop", an emulation layer for compatibility with previous programs designed for architecture, but even that layer as an application running in MacOS X, as a sandbox -environment-protected and limited and not jump to the previous desktop metaphor. But we move away from what is important, what is this from Microsoft. As I said, the best I could have done Microsoft is embracing ModernUI with all its consequences and improve the new interface according to what users are less polished. ModernUI is good, in my opinion proof that Microsoft have good taste and know how to create user experiences kept when put to it-but of course still has shortcomings, as any first version. Giving an escape to the traditional desktop Microsoft content to many users, especially in the business world, which has been the main catalyst for this reverse, but instead delayed the adoption of the future that provides.