Some good insights into typography on the web and how its displayed across platforms.
Some good insights into typography on the web and how its displayed across platforms.
http://pixelpoppin.com/kidpix/
Craig Hickman has some great UI principles he used when developing the first version of Kid Pix. Its interesting to note that these were developed as a result of observations of how his three year old son interacted with MacPaint.
Kid Pix was one of the first computer programs I used in my life and heavily influences how I think about software today. That is, I believe software should be easy to navigate, fun to use, open ended, and extensible. Whether its native programs or a web application, the prime directives that guided Hickman in the creation of Kid Pix are all inspiration for me and in some capacity, the criteria by which I judge software and web apps today.
The guiding principle when building software for people and by extension a user interface is understanding people. Kid Pix was so successful because it sought to make painting on a computer fun. Despite being widespread in elementary school computer labs across America, you didn’t have to a kid to enjoy playing with it. I think that a large aspect of Kid Pix success was derived from its simplicity and focus on the user. This quote from Hickman sums it up:
Users are very smart and can tell quickly when someone is trying to cover up a lame program with flashy graphics. A poor program gets dull very soon no matter how trendy the interface is.
Recently I’ve been interested in Microsoft’s foray into the retail world. Having a place where one can go and check out all of Microsoft’s products sounded pretty neat. I’ve previously written about recent Microsoft and I believe that retail stores are a step in the right direction. Showcasing the spectrum of devices and services that are under the Microsoft umbrella, while allowing consumers to have a hands on experience is just that thing Microsoft needs as they go forward in todays consumer marketplace.
When I read that they are opening one of their new stores in Mission Viejo, I decided to go check it out. My first impression was that Microsoft basically picked the perfect mall and a great spot for their first retail store. If Microsoft is setting up this store as an experiment (which they are), they certainly did their homework. Demographically and geographically, southern Orange County (where I currently live) is a great area for a Microsoft store.
I also got to chat with a lady that works at the kiosk thats 7 feet from where Microsoft is opening the store and she filled me in on some details.
From the looks of it, there is a lot of curiosity surrounding the opening of this store. People would stop and check out the logos they are familiar with. About eight stores down was an Apple store with quite a bit of activity happening, so it will be interesting to see how this works out, as it will certainly provide shoppers with a technological contrast. Right now, I’m more into the Microsoft store because I’m pretty stoked about the Zune HD and the Xbox 360.
The timing of the opening of this store is fairly on key. Windows 7 is dropping in October, the Zune HD supposedly in September, so I would expect the store to have Windows 7 and the Zune HD on full blast.
Looking at that logo kinda reminds me of that Windows 95 throwback ad.
What about Bing and Office 2010? Well, I’m not too sure about Bing (maybe computers set up with bing.com on them and Bing specialists on deck?), but It will be interesting to see how they integrate Office into the retail experience and leverage the Office online functionality, possibly in a ground level attempt to fight back the Google app attack.
Ultimately, I think the Microsoft store will offer a unique and compelling retail experience. Currently, the buzz is considerable and having seen things first hand, I can assure you that the Mission Viejo store will be hit.
