[DEV, TDM] [High level overview of enable more natural user interaction] New methods of desktop integration put application functionality right at the user’s fingertips, and Windows Explorer and Libraries provide easy access to high-value information. The Scenic Ribbon control and animation framework make it easier to build interactive and appealing user interfaces. New touch APIs enable natural interactions through multi-touch and finger-panning, and manipulation and inertia APIs enable impressive visual effects. Fosters natural user interaction Multi touch, ink and gesture support along with handwriting recognition allow you to create exciting new input capabilities. New taskbar, destinations and shell integration enhance discoverability and usability New controls and APIs for the Ribbon allow easy additions for Ribbon-style controls, menus, and galleries to your application. An animation framework helps you enhance custom animations.
[TDM, DEV] [Taskbar Icons – Details] ICONS Are you putting your best foot forward? Make sure your icon looks great Check different DPIs Check different glass colors and disabled glass How does Color Hot-track look? Determined by your icon’s dominant color Icons Overlay Do you need to surface notifications? Does this help the user make a decision? Single icon at a time (LIFO) No animations Ideally, application-specific Group vs. Ungroup Can you retire your icon in the Notification Area? Progress bar Does your program require progress status? Does this help the user make a decision? Do you already surface a progress dialog? One detailed progress at a time [TDM, DEV] ICONS Are you putting your best foot forward? Make sure your icon looks great Check different DPIs Check different glass colors and disabled glass How does Color Hot-track look? Determined by your icon’s dominant color Icons Overlay Do you need to surface notifications? Does this help the user make a decision? Single icon at a time (LIFO) No animations Ideally, application-specific Group vs. Ungroup Can you retire your icon in the Notification Area?
[TDM, DEV] [Windows 7 Taskbar Details – Important enough to not hide] Jump Lists are a new feature of the Windows 7 taskbar that accomplish just this. Think of this feature as a mini Start Menu for each program or an evolved version of the system menu. First, the you don’t need to even start the program to quickly launch a file or access a task. Second, destinations don’t take up valuable space on the taskbar; they are automatically organized by their respective program in a simple list. Should one have ten programs pinned or running on her taskbar, this means she could have quick access to over 150 destinations she uses all the time, without even the need to customize the UI! Since the Jump List shows lots of text for each of its items, gone are the days of having identical icons on your taskbar that are indistinguishable without a tooltip. Should you wish to keep a specific destination around, you can simply pin it to the list.