Let’s talk about Windows 8 --- Metro Start

Microsoft claim that they want to redesign the whole operating system through the Windows 8. Anyway, we can not stop her hit whatever we prefer of not.

Let me introduce some features of windows8.

“compatible PC and Tablet” “ introduced Metro UI "

Windows 8 support for tablet, while apply the design style from Windows Phone's Metro UI. The truth is a lot of interaction design is for tablet.

Three important influence on design

(1) modern design - the Bauhaus (decrease elements to show the nature)

(2) internationalism graphic design style - Swiss graphic design style (clear, true and beautiful)

(3)dynamic design - the art of film (animation to stimulate user)

People are always busy in their real life, so we need a fast, simple, direct, clear design.

Windows 8 design inspired by all kinds of navigation in subway stations, airports, etc.. People can obtain the information they want even eager to run around.

Metro UI application --- Metro start
　　Metro UI is the main design style of Windows 8，especially for the Metro Start, it was in 1992 when the first "start menu" show up. Its original idea is to replace the "application management" to start the computer task. After experiencing a series of improvements, but there are still a variety of defects.

Metro Start improved Windows start menu, taskbar, notification and gadgets. It made a try as follows:

(1) expand the most commonly used area

(2) Metro Start customization

(3) larger operating space

Actually, Start has more than just a menu now. It occupies the whole screen, replacing the previous "desktop + Start menu", and carries more features. All Programs are here, the user can directly start the program here .

At the same time, it also has the following features:

(1) dynamic information: information on each block are dynamic, it presented carefully and clearly. User can customize the information, such as a city forecasts or the contents of a magazine. Get some information before you start the application.

(2) customization: the location of the blocks can easily drag and drop. User can put the most commonly used applications on the Home screen.

(3) design for touch: each block area is large enough so that it can be easily selected by finger. Each block is clicked as a whole area, not divide into the clicks region.

(4) Global view: on the touch pad, you can zoom out or zoom in your Start menu like a map, which helps you to select the application quickly.

(5) Click (not double click) to open the program.

(6) Blocks have two sizes, you can customize them. Choosing which size depends on whether the information of the application needs to be displayed. Information is not displayed on the small sized block.

I think maybe we can find some useful information from the Metro Start UI design for our app, it's like "expand the most commonly used area", "customization" or "larger operating space", or maybe for just open mind through sharing...