One of the hottest topics in the software design world right now is "Metro design". You can't go too far in the Microsoft blogosphere without running into a post talking about Metro design. Given that the Metro design language is used in Windows Phone, Windows 8, on the Xbox and Zune, and on Microsoft's websites, you're going to be hearing a lot about it. I've even spoken about it at a few conferences (sessions: TECHbash, Philly Code Camp, and soon at ThatConference) Unfortunately, there's a lot of confusion as to what Metro design is and isn't. There are also a lot of misconceptions about where Metro came from and where it is going in the future. Over the next few blog posts, I hope to alleviate some of these issues and introduce the core concepts that will help you use Metro design effectively. So, what exactly is "Metro"?
What is Metro?
Metro design is at the heart of Windows Phone 7 and Windows 8 Metro Style Apps. Taking inspirational cues from Bauhaus design, International Typographic Style, and cinematography, Metro design brings an application to life while presenting content clearly and beautifully.
Ok, I know what you're thinking: "that sounds like great marketing material". I understand where you're coming from in thinking that. Let me try again in a more straightforward fashion. Many of these points will be expanded upon in upcoming posts.
Inspiration
Metro was inspired by some very well respected design movements, many of which are still in use today. For instance, International Typographic Style (also knows as Swiss Design) is all around us on road signs and in subways stations and airports. You see it everyday, you just may not have known it. I'll elaborate more on the inspirations in Part 2.
Principles
A set of principles help define what makes for good Metro design. These principles are:
- Pride in craftsmanship
- Be fast and fluid
- Authentically digital
- Do more with less
- Win as one
I know, again, these sound like marketing speak but I assure you they are not. They are the foundation upon which you will have success with Metro design. Each of these will easily require their own post so I'll come back to them later.
Applied Metro Design
Once we understand what Metro design is and how to use it, it will be helpful to see where to use it and how Metro design fits into those areas of the software landscape. Metro design is similar on all platforms where it is used, but there are different mechanisms available to accomplish some of the ideals. I'll take a look at Windows 8 Metro Style apps and Windows Phone apps in the posts in this section.
Wrap-up and a look ahead
So, given that intro, it looks like the schedule for this series is as follows:
- What is Metro Design?
- Metro Design Inspirations
- Principles: Pride in craftsmanship
- Principles: Be fast and fluid
- Principles: Authentically digital
- Principles: Do more with less
- Principles: Win as one
I look forward to bringing you the rest of this series. In the meantime, if you have any questions please feel free to comment below or find me on Twitter @brentschooley.