Metro (design language)
 | |
| File:Wp7 musicvideo.jpg Metro design language as used in the "Music + Videos" hub in Windows Phone 7. | |
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows Embedded CE 7.0 |
| License | Proprietary EULA with open source components |
Metro is an internal code name for a typography-based design language created by Microsoft. It was created for use in their mobile operating system Windows Phone 7.[1] A specially made version of Microsoft's Segoe font family, Segoe WP, is used as the main font family for all typographical elements.[1] It was confirmed by Microsoft at Computex that Windows 8, the next version of Windows, will take inspiration from Metro.[2]
History
"Metro" is based on the design principles of classic Swiss graphic design. Early glimpses of this style could be seen in Windows Media Center for Windows XP Media Center Edition[citation needed], which favored text as the primary form of navigation. This interface carried over into later iterations of Media Center. In 2006, Zune refreshed its interface using these Metro principles. Microsoft designers decided to redesign the interface and with more focus on clean typography and less on UI chrome.[3] The Zune Desktop Client was also redesigned with an emphasis on typography and clean design that was different from the Zune's previous Portable Media Center based UI. Flat colored "live tiles" were introduced into the Metro design language during the early Windows Phone 7's studies. [citation needed] Microsoft has begun integrating these elements of the Metro design language into its other products, with direct influence being seen in newer versions of Windows Live Messenger and Live Mesh.[1]
Development
Microsoft's design team says that the Metro UI is based on signs on the Metro public transit system[3] in the London Underground. Metro places a large focus on typography and features large text that catches the eye and runs off the page. Microsoft says that Metro is designed to be "sleek, quick, modern" and a "refresh" from the icon-based interfaces of Android and iOS[citation needed].
All instances use fonts based on the Segoe font family designed by Steve Matteson at Agfa Monotype and licensed to Microsoft. For the Zune, Microsoft created a custom version called Zegoe UI, and for Windows Phone 7, they created the "Segoe WP" font family; apart from minor differences the fonts are largely the same.
Response
Response to Metro has been generally positive. Engadget said "Microsoft continues its push towards big, big typography here, providing a sophisticated, neatly designed layout that's almost as functional as it is attractive." CNET complimented the Metro design, saying "it's a bit more daring and informal than the tight, sterile icon grids and Rolodex menus of the iPhone and iPod Touch."[citation needed]
Principles
 | This section contains promotional content. (April 2011) |
The Metro design language was designed specifically to consolidate groups of common tasks to speed up usage. This is accomplished by excluding superfluous graphics and instead relying on solid-color squares containing information. The resulting interfaces favor larger hubs over smaller buttons and often feature laterally scrolling full bleed canvases. Page titles are usually large and consequently also take advantage of lateral scrolling. Transitions between pages often feature short animations of screen elements exiting and entering.[4][5]
References
- ^ a b c "Windows Phone 7 Series UI Design & Interaction Guide". March 18, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
- ^ "Video: Windows 8 Uses WP7 Design, Runs from USB Stick". Published Friday 15 April 2011. Retrieved Friday 15 April 2011.
- ^ a b "Windows Phone Design System: Codenamed 'Metro'" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
- ^ "Windows Phone UI and Design Language". Retrieved 2010-10-09.
- ^ From Transportation to Pixels, Windows team blog, 2011-2-16
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External links
