UI debate (Translucency or not)

[McKay]

What does bug me is inconsistency - e.g. how Windows 8 has a translucent task bar while the rest of the UI isn't translucent.

 

Yep, when using Windows 8 I either have to use Opaque Taskbar, or AeroGlass.

[123456789A]

I need all kinds of things happenings in my OS.

 

Transparent windows, for sure.

Start button in bottom left corner with animated spinning orb.

Pulsating colors in title bars.

Fold out, animated toolbars.

256x256 skeuomorphic desktop icons (double that if using Retina display).

Rounded corners on all sides but no window border at all.

Fully animated spinning/sliding sequence when alt-tabbing.

Gradient backgrounds on all windows.

Animated wallpaper with Hollywood style slideshow capability or full motion video wallpaper.

Inverted scrolling.

 

If my Nvidia GTX Titan is not being 50% utilized at all times, something is wrong with the GUI design.

[Ian W]

I believe in minimalist, non distracting UIs. Content should come first. I'm not at my computer to stare at glass or wallpapers all day.

Interestingly enough, the translucent window frames of Windows Aero were designed to "help people focus less on the window chrome itself, and more on the content without the window."

 

Back when Vista came out it was the "prettiest" desktop cause it was new and everyone was like "oooooooooooooo"

 

Looking back, it was utterly pointless. If a desktop needs effects to garner recongition you are doing something wrong. Personally I think the Windows 8 desktop look and feel (with no transparency ever) is the best looking one to date. For once Dot Matrix is right and content ought to come first.

. . . I still think Windows Vista is one of the "prettiest" (I'd go so far to say that it is "gorgeous") operating systems. Microsoft stated that it wanted to "drive an emotional response" with Windows Aero, and, at least for this user, Microsoft succeeded in its endeavor.

It is easy to forget that Windows Aero was about more than just translucent window frames (in fact, Microsoft recommended that the glass effect be used judiciously). The translucent window frames were only part of a much broader initiative within Microsoft to create a beautiful, consistent and professional user interface. This is reflected in its design guidelines for Windows Vista, which focused on improving the traditional Windows interface by updating the balloon notifications, confirmations, dialogs, icons, sounds, system font, toolbars, tray notifications, warning messages, and wizards. Glass was just the 'icing on the cake', if you will.

[Guest]

Don't give a crap about translucency or bells or whistles. When I am looking at the screen, the last think I want is to be thinking about the UI. The more it does not exist, the better. That's why I like 8's UI the most. If they can even further reduce it with future versions, even better.

[Dot Matrix]

Interestingly enough, the translucent window frames of Windows Aero were designed to "help people focus less on the window chrome itself, and more on the content without the window."

Strangely enough, it appears to have had the opposite effect, as many on here are clamoring for its revival.

[Syanide]

Subtlety is key, which Microsoft lacked in both executions.

[tuckeratlarge]

not