I haven’t had the opportunity to use a Windows 8 device as yet, but judging from the reviews, I think I’m much better off not doing so at the moment.
According to a report from Jakob Nielsen the usability of Windows 8 has been found to be very disappointing for both novice and power users. Jakob Nielsen holds a Ph.D. in human-computer interaction, hence he’s in a very good position to make such statements. He concluded that, “the hidden features, reduced discoverability, cognitive overhead from dual environments, and reduced power from a single-window UI and low information density.”
Here is Nielsen’s take on Windows 8:
[quote] As mentioned in the introduction, Windows 8 encompasses two UI styles within one product. Windows 8 on mobile devices and tablets is akin to Dr. Jekyll: a tortured soul hoping for redemption. On a regular PC, Windows 8 is Mr. Hyde: a monster that terrorizes poor office workers and strangles their productivity.
Although Win8 has usability issues on tablets, there’s nothing that a modest redesign can’t fix. In fact, usability could be substantially improved by revising the application guidelines to emphasize restrained use of active tiles, higher information density, better visibility of key features, and many other usability guidelines we’ve already discovered in testing other tablets.
I have great hopes for Windows 9 on mobile and tablets. Just as Windows 7 was “Vista Done Right,” it’s quite likely that the touchscreen version of Windows 9 will be “Metro Done Right.”
The situation is much worse on regular PCs, particularly for knowledge workers doing productivity tasks in the office. This used to be Microsoft’s core audience, and it has now thrown the old customer base under the bus by designing an operating system that removes a powerful PC’s benefits in order to work better on smaller devices.
I understand why Microsoft likes the marketing message of “One Windows, Everywhere.” But this strategy is wrong for users[/quote]
Similar comments have been uttered by others, however most have concluded that Windows 8 might be the Windows Vista all over again. Consumers might be better off waiting for Windows 9, which should be an improvement on the latest offering.
Source: Useit
