Forum Discussion
Discussion - 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
Ability to add distinct color or color themes to the main browser interface.
You can already adjust title bar color with Windows Color Settings, but this would be a good option for those who want the address bar and other UI to be a different color.
Add transparency or other material effect to the main browser interface.
I think transparency and material effects are unnecessary. It just reduces performance, and when the browser is maximized, you can barely see these effects anyways. I have disabled Windows 10's fluent design transparency in Settings for these exact reasons. Despite promises that these effects have negligible impacts, it does noticeably slow down programs, especially on less powerful hardware. Therefore, if you do want to add transparency and material effects, please make it optional. That way those of use who prioritize performance over visual effects can disable such effects.
The corners of the tabs and browser buttons have been rounded too much.
I think the current rounding is good. Not overly curvy like Chrome, but with just a hint of curviness to be pleasing to former Chrome users.
Make the tab band and address bar / toolbar smaller if device doesn’t support touch capability.
Please do not make the UI smaller! I agree with others that Edge's larger UI is one of the main reasons some people choose Edge over Chrome. Chrome's UI is way too small. Edge's UI is easier to see, improving accessibility for older people whose eyesight is no longer perfect. Even on non-touch devices, some people switch Office to "touch mode" just so the buttons are larger and more spaced out. If anything, some things need to be bigger. For example, the default HTML Select dropdown menu. On non-touch devices, the choices are quite small by default. An option to make them a bit bigger would help some people I think. As an example, Firefox shows taller options:
Update or add animations to user interface.
Animations are nice, but should not be excessive to the point where it would sacrifice performance.
Add a reveal effect to highlight on mouse hover.
As with other animations, it's nice as long as it doesn't degrade performance too much.
I agree. I came here when I read that there was a discussion about the address bar text being too large. It isn't. It is perfect. If this is changed then please make the change optional as on my 4k screen and with my eyesight, it is perfect as it is.