Forum Discussion
Outlook 365 Ribbon, etc
What seems to be missing more than anything is a set of testable requirements for a good UI:
- Intuitive / Low learning curve (all users)
- Readable (average user)
- Accessible (special needs readable)
- Efficient (ordinary user)
- Customizable (power user)
- Aesthetic (artsy user)
It seems Microsoft catered to the Aesthetic users for "Fresh icon" updates and another recent Ribbon update, while ignoring all the others. Learning curve and efficient would compete for priority in a good update, while all the others should be verboten in every update.
Many on the thread are making mention of "get over it, that's the price of newness". I don't buy that. Others are saying "I hate the new icons". I don't buy that either. What we need is to tell Microsoft in detail what our needs are, in non-emotional terms.
The Quick Access toolbar is basically required for efficiency by me, because the ribbon changes often enough that I don't want to deal with the recurring learning curve of the constantly changing drama of the (non-)standard Ribbon interface. Even at that, the icon art changes enough that from time to time I open Office and can't read my own custom Quick Access toolbar.
Microsoft throws away every other major release of Windows because they don't do good testing to actual user Use Cases. They now have a way with Office 365 subscription processes to ensure everybody is stuck with every crap release, and the only way out is 3rd party...
I highly prize my classic Office 2007 software install. It does everything I want it to and it doesn't kill me with unsolicited updates that force a new learning curve. I use 365 at work because that's what I get... I can get it free at home but don't. Meanwhile, I am constantly upgrading to the latest versions of almost all other software because others respect the user experience far more deeply than it seems Microsoft does.
Sincerely,
-VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER