Ask HN: Is anyone else unhappy about the recent push for grid interfaces?
For years, user interfaces were all about data presentation, and efficient use of space. I could open up the start menu and have a few dozen applications displayed in a list, and easily accessible to the eye. But recently, it seems that interfaces are becoming fatter, with a less efficient use for screen space. Large buttons are replacing lists, big images are replacing text.. Instead of all my apps being in a neat list, my apps will now be on several screens that I have to scroll to. Does anyone think that this new interface can have enough pros to outweigh the cons involved in this change? I feel like Microsoft is just creating this dramatically new interface to spark curiosity in the consumer's eye, to make the customer believe that Microsoft still has a shred of imagination left in the once great company. But to be honest, I feel that Microsoft is creating the world's next gimmick. A ditch effort to turn their sales around in a market that they're losing to Apple. And i have doubts that this interface is really worth switching to for someone who is competent in the user field? Are we on a downhill slope with the efficiency of data presentation? Are we catering to being incompetent? I'm not saying the desktop environment shouldn't change, but I really have my doubts that the grid menu system is the best direction. What are your thoughts?
I'm sorry if there are spelling errors. I don't have my computer tonight, and I typed this out on my phone ironically. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!