We’ve all been hearing the hype about the Windows 8 launch. The reports so far point to a UI that will be foreign territory to most users, who are very familiar with the old desktop environment. A recent article on cnet.com noted that “early adopters have claimed that the new interface may be difficult to understand for new users and was not designed with traditional desktop PCs and laptops in mind.”
In creating an operating system that is so completely different, Microsoft has a very interesting challenge: how to train Windows 8 users in a brand new language? And more importantly, what good reason do people have to switch from a perfectly fine operating system to one that, at least at first glance, has such a steep learning curve?
According to Microsoft, there are lots of reasons. A touch interface, more efficiency, and increased ability to multi-task are just the start. But to access these benefits, we will all have to be un-trained from computer habits that are engrained from 15 years or more of use. While this might seem like an uphill battle, Apple has very successfully trained people to use their operating system, for example the difference between a swipe, a two-finger swipe, a three-finger pinch, etc.
There’s a balance that must be struck between making the UI completely intuitive for new users and keeping the UI from intruding on usability for experienced users. There many features that are not necessarily easy to discover, but easy to use once you know they’re there. The concept of Charms and specific real-estate set aside for doing certain functions, like switching between apps, will seem very unfamiliar for now. But if Microsoft does their job right, soon enough it will be like we never knew anything different.
You can read the entire Cnet article about Windows 8 training here.