The Microsoft Design Language

Abstract

Beyond the basic touch principles discussed in the previous chapter, the design teams at Microsoft developed the Microsoft design language, previously referred to as Metro, which is used to guide the user-interface development for Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 7.5, and now for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. The Microsoft design language was inspired by the simple, easily understood language seen in street signs in metropolitan areas and in mass transit and strives to bring this simplicity and intuitive flavor to computing. In this chapter, I will cover the elements of the Microsoft design language, show examples, and explain how Windows 8 incorporates them. Before jumping into the Microsoft design language itself, I will cover the Swiss design style, whose influence can be clearly seen in elements of the Microsoft design language.