Forum Discussion
Elliot Kirk
Jan 13, 2020Former Employee
Discussion - Updating our interface with Fluent touches
Hi Insiders. We have received a whole lot of feedback on the overall design of the next version of Microsoft Edge. First off, we would like to thank you all for the feedback that you have submitted. ...
- Jul 14, 2020
Thank you so much for all your feedback on the overall design of the new version of Edge, as it is invaluable to our getting the experience right. A common thread through this feedback has been a lot of discussion about the definition of “Fluent” design, and how it should apply to Microsoft products, so we wanted to share an update to provide some clarity. As opposed to a specific or static set of design rules, Fluent is intended to be an ever-evolving design system across Microsoft products. As the world around us continues to evolve, including devices, interaction models, user habits and expectations, the Microsoft design system must also evolve to meet the changing needs of our users. This means Fluent will not necessarily always represent everything that it did several years ago when the look and feel of the legacy version of Edge was first developed. You can learn more about the current direction of Fluent by visiting the Fluent Design System Page, which provides a summary of the design system as a whole, as well as how it applies to different platforms, applications and controls across Microsoft.
If you browse through the Fluent guidance at the link above, you’ll note that the new version of Edge is aligned with the current direction Fluent is going, and we will continue to evolve along with the design system and Microsoft as a whole. While Edge may be one of the first to put some of these new Fluent elements into practice, you will continue to see other products across the company update to reflect this direction as well. For example, you’ll notice that the latest Fluent designs are characterized by rounded corners across objects and controls, and the new version of Edge is consistent with that guidance. Another example is that there isn't a pivotal focus on transparency in the latest Fluent designs, and surfaces of the new version of Edge reflects this.
This is not to say we will never consider incorporating such aspects into our designs going forward, or perhaps offering options to customize the look and feel, but there are no plans to incorporate these elements into the default experience for all users at this time. However, there are other design investments on our roadmap to continue aligning with the broader Fluent direction, such as updating icons and illustrations across the product. Please continue to send your feedback on the overall Edge look and feel, including preferences and pain points, as we are always open to learning more and updating our direction based on the needs of our users.
- The Microsoft Edge Team
HotCakeX
Jan 13, 2020MVP
Great categorization job!
I want all of the above
"
- Ability to add distinct color or color themes to the main browser interface.
- Add transparency or other material effect to the main browser interface.
- The corners of the tabs and browser buttons have been rounded too much.
Make the tab band and address bar / toolbar smaller if device doesn’t support touch capability.- Update or add animations to user interface.
- Add a reveal effect to highlight on mouse hover."
my only problem is the one in red color.
please don't implement it or if you are going to implement it, make it optional. I really love the current size. it would be best if you add a slider in Edge settings, for scaling down/up those UI elements.
bigger UI elements and address bar is one of the big reasons why I love new Edge and hate Google chrome.
on Google chrome everything is too small.
Also add Transparent or Acrylic theme to be one of the Edge browser themes to choose from.
- ShashankDahatJan 24, 2021Iron Contributor
HotCakeX Same Here !!
The Big Design Is One Of The Top Reasons Why I Love Microsoft Edge
On Chrome The UI Is So small That Its Difficult To See On Bigger Screens ..
We Don't Want To Make A Copy Of Chrome And Other Browsers .....We Want To ALways Make A Better And Powerful But Easy To Use Microsoft Edge!!
- HotCakeXJan 24, 2021MVPExactly 100% truth!
- Freddie-ZhangJun 10, 2020Copper ContributorYes, a slider is one of those things where it gives you a lot more control, but is really easy to implement.
- dgkimptonJun 02, 2020Copper Contributor
I see why there is value in making the text smaller - the top of the screen is messy and overloaded. Especially when lots of tabs are open. OTOH, small text is harder to read. I wonder if some kind of alternative might be better, such as shrinking the tabs/address-bar unless the mouse is over it?
Like the auto-hiding taskbar on windows, but less extreme (i.e. don't hide it entirely).
For me I always want to see the address of the page I'm visiting but always seeing the names/icons of the tabs and the control buttons is irrelevant - I know tabs and controls are at the top of the screen if I need to access them so auto-hiding those would be fine. The desire to always see the address is why full-screen mode is largely useless to me.
Just food for thought.
- FredwbakerMar 12, 2020Copper Contributor
HotCakeX I completely second this (joined this forum just to say so!). The font size is perfect for those of us who are slightly vision impaired, and probably isn't disruptive for those who aren't. If you have to fiddle with it, PLEASE do implement a slider and make it simple to use.
THANKS! - WinsiderMar 10, 2020Copper ContributorI think the rounded design is nice, although a choice would be better. A transparent theme would also be very nice to have, and I also like the bigger UI elements compared to Chrome
- HotCakeXMar 10, 2020MVPa choice between rounded and square design? that's so detailed, all these little details will clutter up the browser settings. I think it's something that Microsoft should decide based on feedbacks.
- TheAndyMacFeb 17, 2020Copper Contributor
HotCakeX completely with you on the size of text on the tab band and address bar - in fact on HiDPI monitors would ideally want it slightly larger! See the partial screenshot of full width of a 4k monitor set at 150% --- text on tabs is a little too small, text on address bar is fine, text on favourites is a little too small (but useful as such as can get loads in).
I do think that being able to adjust each of these elements separately would be the ideal option, with some sensible defaults for different monitor resolutions/scaling.... and it should definitely adjust on tablets when in touch mode!
- HotCakeXFeb 19, 2020MVPSpoiler
TheAndyMac wrote:HotCakeX completely with you on the size of text on the tab band and address bar - in fact on HiDPI monitors would ideally want it slightly larger! See the partial screenshot of full width of a 4k monitor set at 150% --- text on tabs is a little too small, text on address bar is fine, text on favourites is a little too small (but useful as such as can get loads in).
I do think that being able to adjust each of these elements separately would be the ideal option, with some sensible defaults for different monitor resolutions/scaling.... and it should definitely adjust on tablets when in touch mode!
Yes, you're right on point!
we already have a zoom level or scaling level if you will, in here: edge://settings/appearance
it currently covers websites and the Edge settings page in addition to one other thing, the Collections panel.
Microsoft should include these items in that zoom level too, or separate the zoom level of websites with the zoom level of Edge settings and UI elements, : (top bar, address bar/omnibox, ellipsis menu, favorites/bookmark bar and other similar elements)
- rjtiwari10Jan 23, 2020Iron ContributorYes, you are on point. The current structure of address bar is very good and no need to short. Just implement fluent design elements that are everywhere in Windows 10. So that we will get a uniform experience in Windows 10 and Edge.
- IntelliMooJan 23, 2020Copper ContributorOpposite for me. I like Chrome's "compactness" better; Edge menus especially feel too spaced and non-Windows-like.
- HotCakeXJan 23, 2020MVPBigger UI = Better touch experience
it doesn't have any bad impact on desktop users and at the same time improves experience for touch screen users whose number are increasing everyday
- cjc2112Jan 22, 2020Bronze Contributor
HotCakeX The dark mode also needs to have more black and less gray.
- HotCakeXJan 22, 2020MVPYup there is too much gray area in menus, they might as well add a theme and name it "gray" instead of dark.
- Graham-STMCJan 22, 2020Steel Contributor
HotCakeX In case users haven't installed the amazing Language Packs, please don't call it 'gray' because of differences in spelling such as 'grey'! Call it 'lighter' or 'medium' or something!
- globus5000Jan 15, 2020Copper Contributor
jep good ider if the add them allHotCakeX
- HotCakeXJan 15, 2020MVP
globus5000 wrote:jep good ider if the add them allHotCakeX
the first half of your comment is German?
- globus5000Jan 15, 2020Copper Contributor
sorry not always good to write englishHotCakeX