Linked by Thom Holwerda on Fri 22nd Dec 2006 11:16 UTC, submitted by bababooie
Mac OS X "The IndieHIG Wiki is a place where developers and UI designers can come together to create a new set of Human Interface Guidelines to supplement Apple's guidelines. Apple has neglected to update their HIG with modern UI designs and controls, so developers have been forced to replicate these UI elements on their own to keep their applications from looking dated. Since each developer has slightly different implementations of these elements, it has resulted in a fairly inconsistent look and feel for Mac OS users." Meanwhile, for the first time in over three months, Apple is asking its developer community to begin testing and providing feedback on a forthcoming update to Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.
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RE
by Kroc on Fri 22nd Dec 2006 11:41 UTC
Kroc
Member since:
2005-11-10

For me, I've never been too irked by Apple's varying UI. It's easier to identify an application in exposé when there's a little variance, plus it's fun. GarageBand's wood strips are appropriate and never hurt nobody.

However, two things I could do without - Brushed Metal & iTunes7. Brushed metal reminds me of Quicktime 4. I don't want to be reminded of Quicktime 4. I resort to Uno to fix it up to the new polished metal look. iTunes7 got rid of the aqua buttons, got rid of the fun burn button and basically took all the joy out of the UI. Bad Apple, bad *pout*

RE
by remenic on Fri 22nd Dec 2006 12:17 in reply to "RE"
remenic Member since:
2005-07-06

I agree with Kroc, it never hurts when apps have an own "identity". The problem with GNOME apps, especially every app in the same category (IM, audio, browser), is that they all look mostly the same. GNOME tries so hard to be "consistent" that it becomes boring.

Reply Parent Bookmark Score: 5

RE
by deb2006 on Fri 22nd Dec 2006 12:23 in reply to "RE"
deb2006 Member since:
2006-06-26

That's being productive ;) Aqua as such is seen be a growing number of people as a negative influence for ones productivity. Too much game, too much candy, too many different styles.

Reply Parent Bookmark Score: 3

RE
by bsharitt on Fri 22nd Dec 2006 12:35 in reply to "RE"
bsharitt Member since:
2005-07-07

I have to agree that too much consistency can start to get dull and blend together, making the UI less useful. I find slight UI inconsitency useful in many cases, just to easier differentiate between apps without too close of a look.

Reply Parent Bookmark Score: 1