Before I begin documenting my experiences and opinions regarding the new Surface RT tablet, let me get on the record:
I am neither a fan nor a hater of Microsoft - For the most part, I do not despise or am I a raving fan of any tech company or maker of PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc. I have gained an increasing suspicion and distaste for all things Google, but that sourness developed over almost 4 years of Android issues. For the most part, they each have strengths, innovations, frustrating issues, and some complete failures. This set of journal entries is primarily about the Microsoft Surface RT tablet but that is certainly not the only item or issue I could write about, just what I'm starting with.
Why am I writing this? Good question and one that I am struggling to answer even as I type. Primarily because I am frustrated and have a long list of issues that need a venue. My friends aren't interested nor care, so these topics are left out of my social life. Hoping that maybe others have had similar issues or might have new information to share, and a small hope that someone important enough at Microsoft (Google, Apple...whoever is the subject) will read this, learn something and maybe...just maybe positive change and improvement will occur. I know I'm probably dreaming about that last statement, but where would humans be without an impossible dream???
Let me also add up front, that this list of issues, frustrations and complaints regarding the Surface RT are separate from the new Microsoft Modern UI (Metro as it was called). I will have points to make in specific items regarding the Modern UI, but on the whole I've loved the design philosophy from the beginning. Viewed all the demo, video and completed several of the UI Design school for developers on the Windows website. I still call it "Metro"...I know it's wrong and has changed, but that was the best name for it, so from know on, I'm calling it "Metro". Lawyers...go ahead! Using it on the tablet is one of the saving graces it has and the designers should congratulate themselves for it. Better do it now, before I start listing all the ugly.
Speaking of ugly...
I have no patience for "Rabid Fan-Boys/Girls" of any company, tech platform, etc. You know who I mean... the individuals that fly into a rage at the slightest statement or comment deemed negative. They can easily ignore any and all logical reasoning or evidence to support such statements. Seems they feel the desperate need to "defend the honor" of their chosen platform or corporation. If you fall into this category, I'm sorry and I can only say; Get a life. Seriously.
A few simple rules as we continue:
1. You are NOT your tech! Don't judge others by their choice of tech/devices. Don't ALLOW others to judge you by yours.
2. We each have different needs, desires and limitations. Quite often, some of us don't have much choice either when it comes to services, devices, etc. We need help in finding ways to make it all "just work", and not to be insulted for them.
3. Microsoft, Google, Apple....and all the others make plenty of money...enough to defend themselves. You don't need to.
4. If you think I'm wrong, that's fine, but back it up with facts.
5. You are allowed your opinion, but so am I. It's not my responsibility to agree with you, and it's not yours to change my mind.
Last...My opinions and views are based on my experiences, facts I have discovered and discussions with many people, in and out of the industry. If you have experienced something differently, opposite to mine, then we will have differing views. That doesn't make either one of us "right" or "wrong", and all I ask is for you to open your mind to other people and views.
Last notes:
I welcome rational discussion and hearty debate, based on facts and documented experiences.
If you have an answer or solution, I welcome it and please share...however be warned! If the "solution" is nothing but a "work-around", then chances are I won't be interested. There are often work-arounds to issues...but my point is that WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. It's time for us to STOP managing our tech and devices, and to start expecting the tech and devices to HELP US manage our LIVES! That's what they are for.
Next journal: Form and Function, the hardware and initial UI
ShopDreamUp AI ArtDreamUp
The Blockhead Logo
One of the most interesting projects that any graphics designer or artist can work on is designing a logo. It can be overwhelming and stressful...you have to consider the company's brand, mission and values, history, the goal; all on top of the principles of good design. Don't forget your aesthetics and the whims of a company and leadership team. If you can balance all the objectives and opinions, with talent, skill and tact you can achieve a successful logo....and that is extremely rewarding.
Through the years I've worked with corporate branding, logos and helped companies define themselves. With this experience I have a decent working
Disgusted with the Tech Media and Industry
One lawsuit after another. Story after story in tech-centered media about;
"This company copied this",
"Look how iPhone-like that phone is", or
"Look at this company (usually based outside the US like China or other Asian countries) try to be just like (Apple, Microsoft, Google, etc)".
I'm not a big fan of most of these companies, although I do admire Xiaomi, the Mi Phone, and their highly customized operating system, MIUI. In the last two weeks I've read several articles and critiques of Xiaomi, and if you believed half of what these tech writers published, then you'd be convinced that Xiaomi stole or copied EVERYTHING and the MiPho
STOLEN!
Dear friends and fellow artists on Deviantart.
I will be removing some of the icon sets I've posted and shared here on DeviantArt.
My work has been "stolen" and is being used and SOLD COMMERCIALLY on websites in China, India, and elsewhere. This is being done without my knowledge or permission, without any acknowledgement or attribution, with no financial benefit to me (not that I needed it), and in violation of the Creative Commons copyright. I'm aware that some countries don't recognize copyrights and the Creative Commons isn't universally accepted, but I'd hoped the intent and spirit would prevail...lesson learned.
The first time I fo
Mistakes in Metro and Flat design
I've been "stewing" on an issue for several months with the upswing in flat, modern, and "Metro" design efforts I see everywhere. I noticed the difficulties early, in the large number of poorly designed "Metro" apps for my Windows RT tablet (see earlier journal entries) and later in the official apps built by Microsoft, such as the calendar, mail, or Outlook and the Office 2013 suite. I simply had difficulty using these products. I was slower and less productive. Repeatedly made simple mistakes. I was becoming increasingly frustrated.
I discovered that an over-simplification or almost total minimalism in the design and UI was the source
© 2013 - 2024 glange65
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