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
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.
dgkimpton
Jun 02, 2020Brass 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.