Forum Discussion
MicrosoftDiscussion - Updating our interface with Fluent touches
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
That said, there are obvious changes that could be done, such as a scrollable tabstrip, scrollable address bar (it's ridiculous that there is no scrollable address bar without first going in to edit the text), ability to make windows narrower, all the things that old Edge did better.
I think, for the sake of workspace size, that there should be an *option* to autohide [certain elements of or all of] the top bar, or an *option* to make it smaller until the mouse comes close. Perhaps one could choose how they want their full-screen UI, whether autohide as in old Edge and Firefox; or as it is now -- as it is in Chrome.
I also think the size slider for all UI elements is a good idea, or just two or three options as there is in office.
Why not make a few animations or UI samples as gifs and ask people to vote?
GrahamJockey I fully agree, having the ability to only see certain UI elements on hover would greatly decrease overall screen clutter if done well. Having the ability to auto-hide the favorite bar for example would be a great addition.
The auto-hide feature could also allow for more UI elements to be enabled (such as side panels) and would be an effective way to further develop functionality while maintaining an overall clean and de-cluttered aesthetic.
