Microsoft Office 12 screenshots

Here are some screenshots of Microsoft Office 12.  Note the ribbons at the top. It's a very differnet design.

Okay, only 1.  I knew I should have taken some while I was there.

9,924 views 10 replies
Reply #1 Top

Thanks.

Reply #2 Top
I have to say that as much as I have disliked the guis
of Microsoft's applications before as much am I starting
to get a feeling that Microsoft has finally understood
the importance of a good gui that focus on the workflow
of the users.

It is my belief that it is thanks to Apple, and other
developers that Microsoft will now find the advantage
of designing userfriendly guis since the above screenshot
gives me a feeling of the iWork suite from Apple in it's smart
and uncluttered design.

I think I'm finally starting to like the way Microsoft
is going with their application interfaces. =D

This will be a very interesting development if they can
pull off both nice looking and good working applications.


Ps. Actually, as I look at the gui above I really want to
work with it. That's a first for me when it comes to
Microsoft applications. Interesting times indeed =D
Reply #3 Top
As a writer, I'm very eager for this new version of Office/Word. I have always had a problem with how Word seemed to be designed more for computer geeks than for actual writers.
Reply #4 Top
It is my belief that it is thanks to Apple


No surprise at that remark..
Link
Reply #5 Top
Phoon: ?

Please explain your comment since I'm not sure
what you mean.
Reply #6 Top
I would think it has more to do with the advent and popularity of skinning and companies like Stardock that have more to do with it than Apple.
Reply #7 Top
I believe we are talking about different things
Reply #8 Top
popularity of skinning and companies like Stardock


I don't think a company like Stardock is going to change how Microsoft designs their user interfaces. Anyway the majority of WindowBlinds skins are horrible, so I would be dissappointed if Microsoft started basing major product GUI design decisions on skins for Stardock products. Not trying to offend anyone who uses Windowblinds skins, but it's true.
Reply #9 Top
Whatever your opinion of the quality of WB skins, WB has at least demonstrated to MS the size of the customer base for whom GUI quality & functionality matters. That the Windows GUI has had serious limitations in customization is part of the reason WB skins aren't better than they already are. One can argue that it all goes back to Apple, since getting an Apple look on a Windows rig was probably the original driving force behind skinning Windows, but the Windows customization market is huge and now self-sustaining. Microsoft was bound to take notice.

Cheers,
Daiwa
Reply #10 Top
I feel obligated to post this: Link

It is from one of the MS guys who are working on the MS Gadgets (this blog is linked from the microsoftgadgets.com page)