PDC: Office 12 - radical!

Microsoft takes a chance

from JoeUser Forums

I just got a tour of Office 12 here at PDC.  With Office 12, Microsoft is introducing a new concept -- ribbons.  At first glance, ribbons look like toolbars on steroids. But they are much more context sensitive. 

The design of Office 12 is the most significant change to the suite since it was originally released based on using it for a few minutes.  I don't think everyone is going to like these changes though. It's just such a massive change and without a lot of usability testing (the version I had had a lot of usability problems) it could be a real problem. 

But on the other hand, Microsoft seems to have gone back and rethought how people use these word processors and want users to be more aware of features that can improve productivity.  I'll try to get some screenshots..

5,909 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I saw some screen shots and have question about the usability. I'll admit that I'm a keybord guy if I can help it but the office suite is mouse centric. But at least the mouse movents are clustered together and you can get what you want quickly.

Looking at the ribbons I think there will be a lot more mouse movement requiered to complete the same task. Back and forth, back and fourth.

I'll wait and see (like everyone else) but . . .it is a concern.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm waiting on pins and needles.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
There's a couple of good screenshots here of Office 12.