In 2011, we’re far past the point where computer interfaces need to reference their forebearers in the physical world in order to be understandable (though it’s possible Apple thinks the familiarity of such designs is still an effective way to reduce intimidation, especially for novice users). At the same time, hardware and software have advanced to the point where there’s now ample “bandwidth” (to use Tog’s term) to support visual and functional nuances beyond the bare necessities.
Interface designers are faced with the challenge of how best to use the glut of resources now at their disposal. As Lion’s iCal and Address Book applications demonstrate, an alternate description of this situation might be “enough rope to hang yourself.”
from John Siracusa’s incredibly detailed and helpful review of Mac OS X 10.7 Lion for Ars Technica.
It takes a lot of time and effort to write such a comprehensive review like this, but the result is a fully realized and well-written piece of intelligent critical essay writing as good as any major literary criticism in the New York Review of Books.
Well worth the read, and an invaluable introduction to the sweeping change and strident enforcement of new ideas in this OS upgrade.
Source: Ars Technica
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