Windows 6 Start Panel
August 2nd, 2005
Categories: Interaction, Interface
Any Windows people reading this, keep in mind that I haven’t actually used the Vista beta. I’m commenting on a static screenshot, meaning I could be completely off as to how the panel elements work.
- The Log Off controls should be by the name of the user who would be logged off (who’d a thunk it!). In my mockup, there is a logical left to right flow; John Clyman -> Log Off. Long user names could be accommodated by decreasing the font size, which seems unnecessarily prominent anyway.
- The potentially disruptive Log Off and Shut Down buttons should not be right next to the search field, which many users will give input focus by clicking.
- The search field should have room to expand so that users can see the entirety of long strings. Having to move horizontally through a narrow text input box to modify a string is a pain in the ass. Users should be able to click directly on the spot they want to position the cursor.
I like how previous windows have no log-off button, but instead have a ’shut-down’ button via which you can log out… that is, unless you know that you can hit ctrl-alt-del to log out. Ask David Bradley! (funny vid that. Piss of the richest man in the world, why don’cha?
Gates seems to have a thin skin. For another example of him lacking any sense of self-deprecating humor, check out his reaction after Jean-Louis Gasée pokes fun at Windows.