Forum Discussion
Elliot Kirk
Microsoft
Jan 13, 2020Discussion - 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
GrahamJockey
Jan 14, 2020Iron Contributor
Hi again,
A summary regarding sizing things:
- Have a resizing slider for *all UI elements*
(not each one individually, just *all*. These are incredibly useful in my experience and can possibly follow font size.
- Option to autohide the browser UI elements when in fullscreen,
as in classic edge or Office. (rather than hide them completely as in Chrome--though that should remain an option)
- Option to shrink UI elements as the mouse moves away
or when scrolling down for touch users.
(IDEA: add proximity sensors to the top of the new surface devices, so that when your finger comes close to the top bar, it enlarges. The touchscreen in my midrange car has had this since 2015)
- Have different spacing options for touch and for mouse,
as in Windows 10 and Office. (literally just a toggle, nothing too complicated for the end user)
I think this should make everyone happy when it comes to the size of things (touch users and mouse users are comparing apples to pears in the size debate.) and when it comes to the workspace real-estate debate.
That aside, the light effect under the mouse is crucial, I think it's fantastic!
- Neon01Jan 15, 2020Steel ContributorSpoiler
A summary regarding sizing things:
- Have a resizing slider for *all UI elements*
(not each one individually, just *all*. These are incredibly useful in my experience and can possibly follow font size.
- Option to autohide the browser UI elements when in fullscreen,
as in classic edge or Office. (rather than hide them completely as in Chrome--though that should remain an option)
- Option to shrink UI elements as the mouse moves away
or when scrolling down for touch users.
(IDEA: add proximity sensors to the top of the new surface devices, so that when your finger comes close to the top bar, it enlarges. The touchscreen in my midrange car has had this since 2015)
- Have different spacing options for touch and for mouse,
as in Windows 10 and Office. (literally just a toggle, nothing too complicated for the end user)
I think this should make everyone happy when it comes to the size of things (touch users and mouse users are comparing apples to pears in the size debate.) and when it comes to the workspace real-estate debate.
That aside, the light effect under the mouse is crucial, I think it's fantastic!
Hi there,
I totally agree, especially when it comes to the requirements for touch-users (like me) vs. mouse-users, which are extremly different. Your idea of resizing (or even better: auto-hiding) the UI elements when scrolling down on tablets sounds pretty cool. I would like to have that, but only as an OPTION.
That said, auto-hiding the UI in fullscreen mode is already implemented on Dev and Canary using edge://flags/#edge-enable-shy-ui , but sadly this only works with mouse and pen, but not with finger touch. MS, please add this function for touch-users too, we really need it.
Generally, I can understand the wish for smaller UI and transparency, but again only as an OPTION. I still remember with fear when the virtual keyboard (SIP) became transparent in Win 1803 and therefore completely unusable for me until it was reverted back.
From a touch-users point of view, I have an additional (and as I think important) request regarding the tab size:
- if you have about 25+ tabs open, they become too small to use and I often close them accidentially
- also at this tab size you can't see the content anymore (only the close button) and have to guess and try multiple times to find the right tab, because you can't hover with the finger like you do with the mouse
To avoid the above, please make the tabs a fixed minimum size and then scrollable like in Edge Classic, that would be a big improvement.
Thanks and keep up the good work.