Windows 8 – An Exciting New Platform for Designers and Developers

Windows 8 is the all-new version of the Windows operating system, launched by Microsoft in the last week of October 2012. Windows 8 is actually a leap forward from the way normal Windows operating systems work, as this latest OS can be used in PCs, desktops, laptops, tablets and mobiles.
PC and desktop versions of the OS support both old mouse-driven systems and also touch-enabled devices. This new OS has caused a shift in the industry with opportunities for more innovation in the design. Windows 8 offers great scope for designers and developers. Developers can use the same programming languages like C#, .NET, ASP.NET, etc., and develop their software and applications using the same old steps and procedures.
Here are a few facts you should be aware of before stepping into Windows 8 design or development.
Metro style design

Image Credit – Alessio Di Salvo
Metro is an internal code name of a typography-based design language created by Microsoft. Windows 8 features a Metro style UI which is designed for user-friendliness. (Microsoft is temporarily referring to Metro UI as Modern UI, following a trademark infringement notice from a German company.) Microsoft has provided specific guidelines regarding the look and feel so as to focus on the content of applications, relying more on typography and less on graphics. The Metro style design follows the principle of “bold, vibrant colors” and “content before chrome” where the idea is to use only the most relevant elements on screen. Windows 8’s Metro style design consists of guidelines that supply a framework for designers and developers to build and expand on. You need not waste a lot of time thinking about how buttons, tabs and menus should be placed.
Information architecture & navigation

Image Credit – Murdocke23
The information architecture (organization and labeling) of Windows 8 focuses on the usability of a product. Be it a website or an app, it concentrates on how it can be improved to serve users better. The screen hierarchy of Microsoft is limited to three levels: Hub, Section, and Detail pages. The hub is an outline of content and functionality that links to various sections. The section page displays the content/functionality available within each category. The content on the section page can be displayed as tiles or lists. The details page is the end node in the above-mentioned hierarchy. It consists of content like text, pictures, songs or videos. By tapping on the headers or tiles of Windows 8, users can navigate to various screens. Some Windows 8 apps have a navigational bar or make use of a drop-down menu to serve this purpose.
Design For Touch

Image Credit – Florencia Prada
Apart from the conventional laptops and desktops, Windows 8 runs on mobile devices like tablets and phones. As this OS runs on many touch-enabled devices, it is important to ensure that you design for touch. This means that every element on the screen should be placed in ergonomically friendly positions. Windows 8 provides a touch language that defines the common interactions that can be performed even by using a keyboard and mouse. While designing for Windows 8, all the elements that are placed must provide enough space for touch targeting and immediate feedback when pressed.
You could make some decent money from Windows 8
Market size really helps in the success of an application. Every device that runs Windows 7 is capable of running Windows 8. We can expect more than half of those computers to be upgraded, which still represents millions of computers. Microsoft predicts that more than 400 million devices will be running Windows 8 shortly. Windows 8 will be the single largest platform for designers to achieve great heights. Earlier in 2012, Microsoft announced a good pay out model of 70/30 revenue share for Windows app developers. Developers are also offered a raise in the share to 80 percent when the app yields more than $25,000.
The new Windows Store will be a huge boon to developers. To create an app for Windows 8, developers require good programming knowledge and understanding of principles and guidelines of Windows 8 development.