This week saw Microsoft announce that it is revamping its ‘multi-platform’ Windows 8 operating system after complaints from users. Mark Curtis, Chief Client Officer, at service design consultancy Fjord argues that what works on one platform doesn’t necessarily translate to another, especially if that translation is too literal.
Although Windows mobile has a smaller share of market when it comes to smartphones, it is widely acclaimed as an excellent interface so it is understandable that it may have served as a basis for the development of Windows 8 for PC.
However, in a recent interview Microsoft clearly hints at a u-turn in direction on key elements of the current Windows 8 operating system, the tech giant clearly admits that the user experience on PC is less than perfect.
Microsoft set itself up for a fall after taking something specifically designed with mobile in mind and trying to make it work on PC. This is a classic example of needing to adapt the design of technology and content for different devices as what works on one platform doesn’t necessarily translate to another, especially if that translation is too literal.
If the news is to be believed, Microsoft has taken too literal an approach to mobile on PCs forcing the ecosystem into a ‘one size fits all’ experience.
As many rumours circulate that Apple will also align its OS increasingly to incorporate the hardware and software more closely, it will be intriguing to see whether Apple makes the same mistake or can overcome the real challenge of creating an OS interface that is optimised for a variety of device forms.
By Mark Curtis
Chief Client Officer
Fjord
http://www.fjordnet.com/