Tufte on Windows Phone 7 Series interface design

I've got to give Microsoft credit: they tried! For the first time, it's an interface which isn't shackled to the ridiculously inappropriate desktop metaphor. They've designed something genuinely new for the phone.<p>On the other hand, I'm disgusted by the UI. Incredibly low information density, unbalanced visual elements, and many actions required to accomplish simple tasks. The transitions are beautiful, but they really should have focused on a concise interface suited to small displays.<p>What designer thought allocating 30% of the screen to show the second half of the word "Pictures" would be a good idea?

I have a ton of respect for Tufte, but I think he is wrong about a few things here.<p>After using the Zune for a few months, I'm surprised to see him say that it looks like it was designed on a larger device and then shrunk down to fit a handheld.<p>The UI is quite effective, and I believe the 'negative space' is actually quite effective at training the user to recognize scrollable areas vs. non-scrollable, as well as providing some breathing room rather than a full screen which would look too busy.<p>I do agree with the comments about the animations. Many animations on the Zune are very well done, and effective, but some (like the swirling name when going to an artist list from a currently playing) does seem to break context and takes a bit too long.<p>I'm sure they'll be tweaking the animations in future updates.

Killer Quote:<p>"...Instead of impressing focus groups, designers should do a thought experiment: Imagine what Steve Jobs and Jonathan Ive would have to say about your interface..."

I haven't used the device itself, but a friend of mine that works at a microsoft shot has. He took snapshots that I wish he would share. It runs on a very similar processor as the nexus one, an arm snapdragon.<p>According to him, the device is actually quite nice. It is surprisingly fluid and very snappy. He currently uses a G1. From the screenshots I've seen, it looks very nice indeed.<p>I guess this is where it pays to be a bit ignorant of design- I liked the design and the home screen seemed great to me. I guess it's because I wasn't aware of all the "negative space" they were wasting.

Edward Tufte is definitely a recognized design guru but ever since I found out about him I have been _very_ puzzled about the design of his website. I would expect a design guru to have a better website.

This seems like off the top of the head M$-style ranting- he hasn't used an actual device so this is just guesswork.