Screenshot, Source: msdn.microsoft.com
Microsoft expects, that with all the features built into Longhorn the number and variety of client applications will expand over the next few years. That means that the “one-size-fits-all approach to the Windows user experience is becoming less useful”. Thats why they are working on a set of different models or patterns wich are called “archetypes” to help developers create applications that fit into the windows user experience. Microsoft will publish them in the new book, code-named “The Windows User Experience Cookbook”. It will include guidelines and examples of good user experience design for each of these archetypes.
I think it will be the best to look closely at this, because it shows where Microsoft wants to be in 2 years.
Currently microsoft identifies eight application archetypes:
- Document editor application
- Database applications
- Production/development environment applications
- E-commerce applications
- Information/reference applications
- Entertainment applications
- Viewer applications
- Utility applications
Related Links:
Longhorn Archetypes
Aero User Experience Guidelines
