Windows 8 usability report finds its seven deadly sins: Microsoft swapped features for color

Windows 8 is a completely reimagined Windows. It aims to bring the new Modern-style user interface with its Live Tiles and simplistic ideas and mix it together with the good old Windows look. But does this combination of the two result in a better product, or is it too confusing for the average user?

Usability expert Jakob Nielsen of UseIt.com took on the task to find out and had 12 experienced users test out the new Windows 8 on both tablets and PC. The end result? Nothing flattering for Microsoft’s UI team.

Turns out, the new Modern UI (previously called Metro) is actually very hard to understand for even experienced users. And while previously Microsoft took pride in having the operating system people most used for doing serious work, killing the multiple windows feature in Windows 8 actually cripples seriously that very core functionality. Interestingly, in Windows 8 you no longer have windows in the plural - all happens only in a single window.

In trying to make a “One Windows, everywhere” platform, Microsoft has hidden a lot of the features to cater to lower screen sizes, but that does not make much sense on traditional larger computers; it has also introduced gestures, but those are context based and work in some apps, do not work and others, and this hard-to-predict behavior mars the user experience.

There are a lot of other interesting findings in the report, so we definitely recommend you check it out at the source link below, and below we have the essential takeout summarized in a slideshow. What do you think, do you agree that Windows 8 has become more confusing to use in comparison to Windows 7, or not? Why?

Windows 8 usability issues report

1. Double desktop problem

Windows 8 has both the traditional interface and the modern one. This makes it harder for users who have to remember where to go to do what, and is ultimately inconsistent.

2. Lack of multiple windows

In Windows 8, for the first time in decades, there are no windows in Windows. That’s right - the Modern UI does not allow for many windows simultaneously opened.

3. Flat-style icons

Icons in Windows 8’s Metro UI don’t stand out in any way - no shadows, no 3D effect, no easy way to distinguish them from other types of content, which ultimately makes it harder to understand where those icons are even when you need them.

4. Low information density

Windows 8’s new typography and preference for large images is fun, but it goes a bit too much to the extreme. Some apps like the LA Times only display three stories on the whole tablet screen!

5. Live Tiles are too active

Users tend to install a bunch of apps right after they get a device. Many of them are not used often, and when you try to find them, the changing Live Tiles make it even harder.

6. Hidden charms: out of sight, out of mind

Charms are Microsoft’s attempt to simplify the settings menu, but there are a couple of problems with them. You have to perform a gesture to bring them up (they are hidden!) and not everyone would remember that, and second they are context-dependent which is not immediately obvious, and a bit confusing.

7. Confusing gestures

Gestures for a lack of a better word are confusing. First, some of them are not all that easy, and second they work differently in different apps.