Though I'm not a Windows user (and won't be in the foreseeable future), but I really liked it. This one was particularly nice and novel: http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/4174/explorer3.jpg
Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
21–30 of 71 posts
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#22That's really a great re-design concept. It looks really good without lacking functionality--I'd love to use that over Metro any day (especially after having used it in Windows 8 developer preview).
its interesting to see how we going back to basics. from windows 3.11 where there was like 256 colors through windows 95/XP more blurry, shadows, rounded stuff, through new windows design that just look "cleaner" and uses better matched color palette, but not much different from initials.
The funny thing is we do this everywhere. The most important thing I learned durning my time at art school was that the art world (And the world by extension) moves in cycles. Everything is a reaction to what was prior.
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#23Earlier quoted context omitted.
there's a field of color theory, concepts like compliments, but then tertiary compliments, and several other forms. unobtrusive gets into an overlap of usability concerns, taste, colorblindness, and just overall theme. i'm sure if you just pay attention to a little more and google some you can find answers to what you're looking for. ubuntu has a nifty color theory utility called avage ... and there are sites like co…
The thing is, i look at this theme and i know it looks great, but i can't understand why! As an hacker really bugs me. I know this color tools, but what are the ingredients that makes something look good compared to another design? When i think the rounded colors are the reason, something like this comes up and proves me wrong. I am aware design is not a trivial matter (i work at IDEO), but where do i start?
I can understand feeling frustrated, but it's a little unfair on yourself. Most designers hone their ability through constant application of their skill, not to mention very often years of expensive schooling. Nobody does it overnight. Although it's certainly possible to do without the expensive formal schooling.
> what are the ingredients
The ingredients (AKA the elements and principles of design): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_elements_and_principles
If you're not going to quit your job to go to SVA or RISD, I'd say the best place to start is to pick up a few books and do exercises. Give yourself time, don't get frustrated, and work at it. There are a lot of good resources in print out there. You could do worse than Alan Pipes's Foundations of Art and Design
http://www.laurenceking.com/product/Foundations+of+Art+---+D...
I'm not aware of anything really fantastic available for free online.
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#24[deleted]
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#25Agree with other's comments. Looks a ton like new Google. And why all the backlash against structure? People like structure.
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#26Agree with other's comments. Looks a ton like new Google. And why all the backlash against structure? People like structure.
Google is "wanting to move away from explicit box structures and to use type and spacing more to indicate structure."
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#27Looks like Windows with a thick layer of gmail paint.
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#28Is there any good resource to learn how to use colors in design, the stuff i make always looks like crap because i only take standard ones. I envy this guy for this ability, incredible good taste in unobtrusive colors.
Practice copying other's work. If you know the mechanics of Illustrator or Photoshop, challenge yourself to reproduce something you admire (from Dribbble?) pixel for pixel from scratch.
Take a particular area of the screen and without using an eyedropper tool, try to select the exact color of each detailed element yourself from the color picker tool. So for example when you see subtle lines or gradients, how does that color vary from the base color? Is it simply darker? Or does it change hue or saturation?
These exercises will train your eyes to have a good feel for how the colors blend and flow together on screen. With lots of practice, you'll develop your own style and your stuff will stop looking like crap.
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#29Earlier quoted context omitted.
The thing is, i look at this theme and i know it looks great, but i can't understand why! As an hacker really bugs me. I know this color tools, but what are the ingredients that makes something look good compared to another design? When i think the rounded colors are the reason, something like this comes up and proves me wrong. I am aware design is not a trivial matter (i work at IDEO), but where do i start?
I can understand feeling frustrated, but it's a little unfair on yourself. Most designers hone their ability through constant application of their skill, not to mention very often years of expensive schooling. Nobody does it overnight. Although it's certainly possible to do without the expensive formal schooling. > what are the ingredients The ingredients (AKA the elements and principles of design): http://en.wikiped…
Thanks for the suggestions, what is so difficult for me is i don't see progress. How i said, i don't think it is something to learn overnight. I just don't saw a starting point yet, in the technical world there is always a tutorial.
That book sounds very interesting, this is probably the thing i was looking for.
Re: Interesting Windows Desktop UI Concept
#30Earlier quoted context omitted.
The thing is, i look at this theme and i know it looks great, but i can't understand why! As an hacker really bugs me. I know this color tools, but what are the ingredients that makes something look good compared to another design? When i think the rounded colors are the reason, something like this comes up and proves me wrong. I am aware design is not a trivial matter (i work at IDEO), but where do i start?
There is an underlying grid. The typography has a consistent visual flow. The elements form the structure on the "page/screen" instead of creating containers to hold the elements. Not to sound pompous, but there is clarity. You may want to look into swiss design for influences. If you wanna talk to someone who went to art school with more specific questions, feel free to email me. My email is in my profile. :)
The email in your profile doesn't work.