Okay Geek Farm
Microsoft stop being lazy and develop Windows Touch already
Aaron Zufall
Windows wasn’t designed for touch.
You shouldn’t use a screwdriver to hammer a nail. And in the same way of thinking, tasks that may seem simple on a desktop or laptop using a mouse and keyboard are completely unsuited for touch-based devices. Even operating the most simple desktop applications, such as Windows Explorer, can be difficult using touch controls (have you seen our own Brandon Davenport’s video?) Heck, even trying to navigate through pages with scroll bars and window controls require a very steady hand to select, and not to mention small, pointy fingers.
The first version of Windows was launched in 1985, and was designed for use with a mouse and keyboard. Windows has primarily remained this way ever since, with the mouse allowing selection of graphical controls. And ever since Windows 95 was introduced, the main control of the operating system has been located at the bottom of the screen within the taskbar, which also houses the start menu. The start menu provides access to applications, files, and settings, and the taskbar allows users to switch between running applications. Windows also uses icons on its desktop to provide shortcuts to favorite programs and files.While this is all fine and dandy for computers with mice and keyboards, this system is completely redundant for commands that are initiated with only a touch.
Mobile operating systems, such as Android and iOS however, are not are designed for use on mobile phones and tablet computers, and are therefore designed with touch-based interfaces and not a mouse and keyboard. These systems are designed with large, simplified on-screen controls that allow for easy, accurate use on a touch screen. Because these systems run on systems with little to no physical input methods, such control is achieved through gestures; swipes, flicks, and taps. Applications and files are accessed through a type of home screen, which contain all of the user’s applications. The home screen can also provide status information about the device. Mobile operating systems do not have window systems, which means that only one application can be open at a time. Therefore, when a user runs an application, it occupies most of the screen, which allows room for large controls and a simple user experience.
While this information may seem elementary, it is important when it comes to thinking of how Windows currently runs on touch-controlled devices.
In the mobile world, simpler is better.
You can only cram so much into such a little space. When an entire desktop operating environment is crammed onto a small screen, the end result can become troublesome for the end user. The large amount of controls shown in Windows applications can quickly become a problem when shown on a small display, because they can drastically reduce the amount of real estate that the user has to work with. Even the experience of browsing the web can be degraded when a screen is cluttered with controls. Mobile operating systems handle this limited space much more efficiently by showing homescreens unobstructed by windows, and when using apps, display at fullscreen, not having to share space with anything else.
Rethink the interface.
Rather than trying to create add-ons to make the Windows desktop OS usable with touch, Microsoft should rethink the entire system’s interface, specifically for tablets. All controls and windows need to be optimized to fit on a smaller screen. Many controls need to be simplified and made larger for easier touch selection. Some sort of application launcher (aside from the Start Menu) should be put into place to allow easy access to apps. The taskbar and window system need to be replaced by a much simpler window switcher similar to Apple’s Exposé. Scrollbars should be replaced by touch gestures as well.
And why even go that far? Microsoft has already come up with Windows Phone 7 and its unique live tile system. Why not use some sort of version of that to build upon and create a whole new Windows experience that isn’t the dull, technical standard that everyone associates Microsoft with.
Make content accessible.
The mobile market has created whole new methods of delivery for video, music, and news. Microsoft should incorporate online media into Windows Media Center, and open it up for developers to create apps that are designed for touch. This would allow for easier delivery of content, which of course may mean borrowing a sort of app store, but hey, as we’ve seen with Apple that’s where the world is heading. It’s time for Microsoft to get with the times.
Give the processor a break.
Tablets are smaller, and so their applications should be as well. Microsoft needs to redesign the applications that are included on a Windows tablet and make them lighter and less processor intensive. Also, the large amount of background processes that are run by Windows can drastically slow down the entire system, so the amount of these processes should also be reduced to prevent a sluggish experience.
Fix the existing touch controls.
Let’s be honest, the touch controls that are currently packaged with Windows 7 are terrible. The handwriting recognition is unintuitive and inaccurate, and the touch keyboard is poorly designed. Both of these features feel as if they’ve been piled on top of the Windows 7 desktop rather than being integrated. The handwriting recognition needs to be made more accurate, and should be placed directly within applications. For example, users should be able to write directly in a document rather than writing into a separate input window. The touch keyboard also needs to be integrated directly into the operating system for easier access, as it also lies in its own separate window.
Keep the sell simple.
If Microsoft is ever to get out of this touch-screen rut, they should break their habit of making several versions of their operating systems, and sell the touch OS in a single edition — Windows Touch. And again, just to reiterate, they’ve already come up with Windows Phone 7. If Microsoft were to just take some of Apple’s ingenuity and blanket the Windows Phone 7 OS into all touch devices that run Windows, then we might actually get something is both practical and easy to use.
Windows Tablet image by MasterMaq - Flickr
