Launchpad versus Start Menu

Microsoft has a lot of strengths, but UI isn't one of them. Does it matter? Microsoft's monopoly in workplace computing likely won't improve much even if the company miraculously decides to roll out better UI. As long as Office for Mac remains slightly incompatible in document rendering, there is no worry that Mac would spur a workplace revolution to challenge Windows. Markets rule.

But bad UI is disrespect for users. Windows 8 UI was so wrong that usability experts described it as throwing users under the bus. Had Windows 10 not been freely upgradable for Windows 8 users, millions would suffer confusion indefinitely. The install base for Windows 7 and 10 is much larger than Windows 8 in many places, which tells something.

Still, even with Windows 10, Microsoft is lagging far behind Apple in terms of UI. A task as simple as browsing for apps requires lengthy scrolling and continuous examination under the rigid and small Start Menu. Why not take advantage of screen size and large icons like Mac Launchpad? Perhaps it's the same reason why Microsoft imposed Autodesk's ribbon interface across Office, instead of panels and drawers offered by iWork. But, who says Office isn't professional?

It remains to be seen whether the next update to Windows will address UI issues that Microsoft finally respects Windows users.