The UI Design and Interaction Guide for WP7

[Nilzor]

So, who have had time to look at the UI Design and Interaction Guide? I see everyone's busy discussing and defining multitasking, but isn't this newly released document the most interesting thing to have come out of Mix so far? I think.

I've just skimmed through it but first of all I love that Microsoft FINALLY provied a sleek GUI framework out of the box for app development! Of course, it was expected with Silverlight support and all, but it's nice to get it confirmed. I'm talking about stuff such as

-Gesture support
-Finger friendly controls
-Smooth scrolling panels

I know all these things have been possible before, but not with ease. Coming from the .NET CF world, I've had to spend a lot of time enabling such featurse in my apps. And they're not as slick as I expect them to be in WP7.

The UI is what most needed improvement for the apps on Windows Phones to be competitive with iPhone apps. This will lower the threshold for developers to create smooth, impressive apps. This will increase competitiveness for Windows Phones, which in turn will benefit us, the developers - enlarging our market.

Agree? ..or are most guys at this not that concerned with monetizing on their apps?

 

[jmbillings]

I've downloaded it but not had chance to look through yet as I'm at work.

Whilst I'm pretty unsure still about the whole marketplace-only, no FS support stuff, I am quite excited about the new development stuff. Like you say, nice interface controls will be there ready to use instead of having to rely on hacks and third party stuff to achieve something approaching half-decent.

I'm glad this is available already, the more time the better, and it makes sense really as MS will want their appstore pretty well populated at launch to compete with iPhone and Android.

 

[vangrieg]

So, who have had time to look at the UI Design and Interaction Guide?

I did. Found out that there are no file open/save controls. Immediately realized that until a jailbreak comes out there's no way I'm buying a WP7S phone, despite the many things I love about this new OS.

 

[gogol]

Only 4 "accent colors" plus 1 manufacturer color.

The accent colors are ORANGE, RED, BLUE and GREEN.

Why 4? Why cant the user change it from color palette selection?

I would love to use BLACK or DARK BLUE or blue grey ala iPhone !

I just cannot understand this accent color limitation

 

[starchildx]

if found something interesting in the guide. a windows mobile 7 handy have same number of buttons as a hd2 .

1. Power/Sleep
2. Volume
3. Screen
4. Camera
5. Back
6. Start
7. Search

So, the only difference is the layout.

 

[LifewareSolutions]

It's a very valuable document, thanks.

We'd like Microsoft deliver more samples to provide a sort of a framework with frequently used patterns.

In any case Silverlight applications look fantastic.

 

[tyrannus]

I did. Found out that there are no file open/save controls. Immediately realized that until a jailbreak comes out there's no way I'm buying a WP7S phone, despite the many things I love about this new OS.

What is your goal here? Do you want to store data for the App or are you trying to write a FileExplorer app?

 

[vangrieg]

What is your goal here? Do you want to store data for the App or are you trying to write a FileExplorer app?

I need file storage as a user, not as a developer. Anyone who tried to transfer files to the iPhone for third party programs knows it's a PITA.

 

[MooGoo]

Microsoft is simply trying to protect you from yourself and the dangers of unauthorized text files and colors.

 

[copenhagen]

Microsoft is simply trying to protect you from yourself and the dangers of unauthorized text files and colors.

+1

I know first hand just how nasty those text files can be .. omg HAX~
and colors?!?... watch yoursnelves. any more then 5 and we've got a global disaster on our hands.

surely ms wouldnt release an updated version of an os with less features?.. would they?

 

[AngryNil]

+1

I know first hand just how nasty those text files can be .. omg HAX~
and colors?!?... watch yoursnelves. any more then 5 and we've got a global disaster on our hands.

surely ms wouldnt release an updated version of an os with less features?.. would they?

While lack of colours seems weird, I'm sure it could be easily implemented.

Less features? Laughable, considering what WM6 is.

 

[MooGoo]

While lack of colours seems weird, I'm sure it could be easily implemented.

Less features? Laughable, considering what WM6 is.

Yea just like other other weird things that could be easily implemented, like multitasking, cut & paste, file system access, and having a user accessible SD card slot.

 

[uberspod]

I don't know if you saw the leaked specsheets for the Dell Lightning, but that thing comes with an 8GB miniSD card, user-upgradable.

 

[MooGoo]

Yes, it is upgradeable if you don't mind voiding your warranty and tearing apart your entire phone. On the plus side however, removing the battery cover on my Rhodium to get access to the SD slot doesn't seem quite as annoying anymore.

First paragraph:
http://www.techautos.com/2010/03/17/windows-phone-7-series-hardware-requirements/