Usability expert deems Windows 8 as “weak, terrible, and disappointing”

[anuseems]

After the unveiling of Windows 8, there has always been the question of whether or not Microsoft could successfully create an essentially all-new form of Windows that is both fresh stylistically but also usable in multiple form factors, such as the tablet and more traditional desktop. Jakob Nielsen is a "usability expert" who has published a study on the usability of Microsoft's new OS. And, according to him, Windows 8 fails. In fact, he calls it"disappointing usability for both novice and power users... weak on tablets, terrible for PCs".

Nielsen writes in his study that things like low information density, hidden functions, and convoluted gestures severely hamper the user experience. Quite notable is the mention of the "Double Desktop", which is the existence of the traditional desktop and the new Windows 8 Start screen.

The problems with Double Desktop, Nielsen says, is that "users have to learn and remember where to go for which features. Switching between environments increases the interaction cost of using multiple features. The two environments work differently, making for an inconsistent user experience." Nielsen's remark are similar to what Raluca Budiu, user interface expert, said earlier this year.

Jakob Nielsen is careful to note at the end of his study that he is anything but a Microsoft hater, seemingly want to dispel the notion that his anti-Windows-8 remarks are fueled by hatred of Microsoft. He mentions that he even made the switch from Mac to Windows -- which is quite opposite to the transition we always hear about these days, people going from Windows to Mac.

Despite questions about his bias (or lack thereof), for the most part, I'd say Nielsen's study is an interesting read as it isn't just simple gripes from a critic, but criticisms on usability by an expert in that field, with the reasoning to back it up. Check out the full study for yourself at the source link, if you are interested!

@ http://bgr.com/2012/11/21/windows-8-criticism-usability-expert/

@ http://www.useit.com/alertbox/windows-8.html

[dcs18]

Jakob Nielsen is a "usability expert" who has published a study on the usability of Microsoft's new OS. And, according to him, Windows 8 fails. In fact, he calls it"disappointing usability for both novice and power users... weak on tablets, terrible for PCs".

It's quite easy to see that the new OS Windows 8 would fail for novices - however, power users should be able to find their way around. The buzzword is customization and it's eminently evident that so called 'usability expert' Jakob Nielsen is the undisputed Emperor of Noobs.

[johndoe]

regardless of whether jakob is a n00b or not, it was in fact (and always is) new users/customers that microsoft keeps targeting with every new iteration of their products. win8 being a case in point where they tried to make it as n00b friendly as possibly and failed miserably and not only that, they soured things with their old (power) users as well. there's very very little likelihood win8 will ever be welcomed into corporate environments as successfully as xp and 7 were and the fact that n00bs are finding it tough to get used to essentially makes it on par with vista which everyone knows and accepts as :shit:

[shought]

They turned an OS which was perfectly viable for business environments into a kid's toy.

Disappointing, to say the least.

[dcs18]

Windows 8 will never get incorporated into businesses - it's too painstaking for the usual IT guy. Windows 7 has also failed to overthrow XP in this arena. :(

[johndoe]

but at least win7 has fared much better than win8 could ever even hope to in the n00b, corporate, consumer and enthusiast arenas (am i forgetting something here?). and then we find out that they're not even gonna be releasing another SP for it.

talk about roasting the goose that lays the golden egg :P

[johndoe]

i'm going to post this in a separate comment because it deserves it

even women can use windows 7 :D :D :D

[cruelsister]

That must be because Windows 7 is filled with Unicorns, Rainbows, and the PRETTIEST shoes I've ever seen!!!

[Catoja]

I have W7 Starter on my netbook, maybe in 2014 i will upgrade to W8 or buy a new computer...

[anuseems]

Windows 8 contains a similar bug to Vista

To see the bug, follow these steps:

1. Go to the desktop,

2. Right Click on the desktop and make new shortcut,

3. On the Make Shortcut dialog, press cancel,

4. Right Click again, you will see a new menu: Undo New CTRL+Z

Name: Screenshot (2).png Views: 137 Size: 7.4 KB

http://www.eightforums.com/attachments/f1/f2/11945d1354021703-do-you-know-windows-8-contains-similar-bug-vista-screenshot-2-.png

5. Click the Undo New and it will show:

Name: Screenshot (3).png Views: 139 Size: 16.0 KB

Just click the skip button, then right click the desktop and you'll find Redo New CTRL+ Y.

If you click the redo button, the New Shortcut will come back but if you look in the properties, you can't set the Target and Start in form. So the shortcut is useless.

As I remember, Windows 7 don't contain this bug.

@ http://www.eightforums.com/general-discussion/14273-do-you-know-windows-8-contains-similar-bug-vista.html

[johndoe]

This from a Microsoft Retail Store e-mail I received

They why give away about $50 worth of training for an OS that's allegedly so easy "Even a 3-Year Old Can Use It"???