Slick UI - but what about the learning curve

[ninethirty]

Would it be a stretch to suggest that you might be biased based on a love for Apple? I mean, your forum signature is all the Apple stuff you own. It's very easy for people to feel as though they have to "choose a side" and then hate the other in these types of matters, although I don't quite understand why.

Are you telling me that the UI on the Apple Watch looks perfectly consistent with what you're seeing in iOS8 and Yosemite? Could you cite some examples?

And you're suggesting the design style here is unappealing? Could you explain why?

http://www.jebiga.com/android-wear-google/

Again, this is your own opinion though, personally I can't see how anyone can prefer the Android Wear UI, it looks horrible. We all have different opinions. Mine is that from what I've have seen, the OS seems consistent, fluid and intuitive. But that's me.

 

[virginblue4]

Would it be a stretch to suggest that you might be biased based on a love for Apple? I mean, your forum signature is all the Apple stuff you own. It's very easy for people to feel as though they have to "choose a side" and then hate the other in these types of matters, although I don't quite understand why.

Are you telling me that the UI on the Apple Watch looks perfectly consistent with what you're seeing in iOS8 and Yosemite? Could you cite some examples?

And you're suggesting the design style here is unappealing? Could you explain why?

http://www.jebiga.com/android-wear-google/

Don't get me wrong, I like Apple, I'm guessing everyone here does, otherwise we wouldn't be on this forum in the first place.

I thought you meant consistency across the Apple Watch, not compared against iOS 8 / Yosemite. Can I ask why you feel a totally different product to what they have ever created before, one that is heavily fashion orientated has to be consistent with iOS 8 / Yosemite? The Apple Watch OS is very similar to iOS 8 / Yosemite, there is no denying that, but the Watch has its own uniqueness, which is how it should be, in my opinion.

And immediately looking at those images of Android Wear, the choice of black text on a white background. Have you seen how small and skinny some of that text is? Much harder to read black text on a white background than it is to read white text in a black background. This is why there are always accessibility options where colours are inverted to improve the reading experience.

I just feel that they stuck a phone into a round watch and it just doesn't work. That's a mixture of it being round, as well as the software. Again, my opinion only.

 

[samcraig]

Don't get me wrong, I like Apple, I'm guessing everyone here does, otherwise we wouldn't be on this forum in the first place.

I thought you meant consistency across the Apple Watch, not compared against iOS 8 / Yosemite. Can I ask why you feel a totally different product to what they have ever created before, one that is heavily fashion orientated has to be consistent with iOS 8 / Yosemite? The Apple Watch OS is very similar to iOS 8 / Yosemite, there is no denying that, but the Watch has its own uniqueness, which is how it should be, in my opinion.

And immediately looking at those images of Android Wear, the choice of black text on a white background. Have you seen how small and skinny some of that text is? Much harder to read black text on a white background than it is to read white text in a black background. This is why there are always accessibility options where colours are inverted to improve the reading experience.

I just feel that they stuck a phone into a round watch and it just doesn't work. That's a mixture of it being round, as well as the software. Again, my opinion only.

Android wear watch faces are changeable. What screens are you talking about..

 

[ninethirty]

Well, because it isn't a totally different product. The watch is heavily dependent upon your phone, and given that they share many of the same functions, a similar and familiar design style wouldn't be bad. I actually can't understand how they were

As for the watch being fashion related - I think that's Apple pushing their luck. Some of the bands are quite nice looking, yes, but the Apple watch isn't the fashion accessory that Apple thinks it is. I've got a very nice watch that I would have a very difficult time parting with, and prior to the Apple watch being announced, I was a tiny bit worried that Apple might announce something so fashionable and so hard to live without that I might leave my watch behind. I have to say I'm a bit relieved that isn't the case.

And lastly, the comment you made about black on white being hard to read vs white on black - you couldn't be more off here. I mean, no, you're not reading a book on your wrist, but black (they've used grey for the most part) on white is rather easy to read. It's also warmer and more friendly feeling. I worry that with the amount of negative space in black on the Apple watch that you're going to get a lot of glare depending on light, and worse, reflection in the sun that's going to annoy a lot of people outside. Time will tell I guess (pun somewhat intended).

For me, the point I'm at these days is that Apple is impossible to beat on hardware, and it's one of the reasons I can't quite make a switch to Android. On software.. they're losing it, and it bums me out, but what can you do?

Don't get me wrong, I like Apple, I'm guessing everyone here does, otherwise we wouldn't be on this forum in the first place.

I thought you meant consistency across the Apple Watch, not compared against iOS 8 / Yosemite. Can I ask why you feel a totally different product to what they have ever created before, one that is heavily fashion orientated has to be consistent with iOS 8 / Yosemite? The Apple Watch OS is very similar to iOS 8 / Yosemite, there is no denying that, but the Watch has its own uniqueness, which is how it should be, in my opinion.

And immediately looking at those images of Android Wear, the choice of black text on a white background. Have you seen how small and skinny some of that text is? Much harder to read black text on a white background than it is to read white text in a black background. This is why there are always accessibility options where colours are inverted to improve the reading experience.

I just feel that they stuck a phone into a round watch and it just doesn't work. That's a mixture of it being round, as well as the software. Again, my opinion only.

----------

I sent him this link:

http://www.jebiga.com/android-wear-google/

Android wear watch faces are changeable. What screens are you talking about..

 

[Mr.C]

Question away. I question the taste of anyone who thinks the design style of iOS8 or Yosemite is refined and polished. Both are eye sores.

That's you're opinion and you're entitled. However like you I would also question anyone who thinks the same as you as I whole heartedly disagree. The design style of both iOS 8 and Yosemite are in my opinion great and far from being eyesores.

 

[Mascots]

Well, because it isn't a totally different product. The watch is heavily dependent upon your phone, and given that they share many of the same functions, a similar and familiar design style wouldn't be bad. I actually can't understand how they were

It may do a lot of the same things, but how you interact with it fundamentally differs. Thus, Apple built a UI that is distinctive from iOS to foster these style of interactions.

I can happily say that the UI is familiar and consistent, still. Can you not?

 

[Mr.C]

In my opinion the UI and design of the Watch interface is both clean and easy to use from what I have seen in videos. Apple is known for user friendliness and the Watch is no different in this respect.

 

[ninethirty]

I can not, no.

It may do a lot of the same things, but how you interact with it fundamentally differs. Thus, Apple built a UI that is distinctive from iOS to foster these style of interactions.

I can happily say that the UI is familiar and consistent, still. Can you not?

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Apple WAS known for user friendliness. Go look at the latest iTunes and tell me that's still the case. Also, look at the initial comments from people who were hands on yesterday. They're not quite corroborating what you're saying. Also, please don't misunderstand me - I love Apple, and I wish I was saying positive things about them here, I just really don't find this to be the case anymore is all.

In my opinion the UI and design of the Watch interface is both clean and easy to use from what I have seen in videos. Apple is known for user friendliness and the Watch is no different in this respect.

 

[troop231]

Will we get folders for apps eventually on the Watch?

 

[Rogifan]

Susie Ochs at Macworld said trying on the device and playing with the UI made her want the watch and she's getting one now.

http://www.macworld.com/article/289...g-an-apple-watch-made-me-want-to-buy-one.html

 

[Mr.C]

I can not, no.



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Apple WAS known for user friendliness. Go look at the latest iTunes and tell me that's still the case. Also, look at the initial comments from people who were hands on yesterday. They're not quite corroborating what you're saying. Also, please don't misunderstand me - I love Apple, and I wish I was saying positive things about them here, I just really don't find this to be the case anymore is all.

There is nothing wrong with the latest iTunes. I find it easy to use. As for the comments you mentioned obviously my judgement is based on what I have seen in videos, the press conference and what I have read just like everyone else here. Maybe my opinion will change once I get a chance to experience it first hand but I highly doubt it. I still believe Apple products even today are far more user friendly then similar products by other brands on the market.

 

[samcraig]

Susie Ochs at Macworld said trying on the device and playing with the UI made her want the watch and she's getting one now.

http://www.macworld.com/article/289...g-an-apple-watch-made-me-want-to-buy-one.html

Actually - while she liked the UI, the reason she's getting one is because she can look at her phone less. This is true of Android Wear and Pebble too.

"The problem is: I look at my iPhone too much. Throwing more technology at that problem seems frivolous, but if the right balance of notifications and glances actually succeeds to sift the signal from the noise? If it can reduce the number of times I unlock my iPhone to do a simple little thing like reply to a text, only to fritter away time on three or four apps? That could change my game."

 

[ninethirty]

iTunes is an absolute MESS. I hate to say it man, but your loyalty to Apple may have blinded you a bit.

There is nothing wrong with the latest iTunes. I find it easy to use. As for the comments you mentioned obviously my judgement is based on what I have seen in videos, the press conference and what I have read just like everyone else here. Maybe my opinion will change once I get a chance to experience it first hand but I highly doubt it. I still believe Apple products even today are far more user friendly then similar products by other brands on the market.

 

[samcraig]

iTunes is an absolute MESS. I hate to say it man, but your loyalty to Apple may have blinded you a bit.

Well not only that - but it's still pretty bloated and a resource hog. It's better than it was I "think" - but it's still not great

 

[Piggie]

In my opinion the UI and design of the Watch interface is both clean and easy to use from what I have seen in videos. Apple is known for user friendliness and the Watch is no different in this respect.

Really?

So a mass, 30, 50, 100, 500? of circular icons, all jammed together, with no text to identify them is "clean and easy to use"

Would you lay the screen of say a Mac or iPad out this way?

I'm not saying here is a better way, but I'd hesitate to call a mass of icons all clumped together "clean"

 

[Rogifan]

Actually - while she liked the UI, the reason she's getting one is because she can look at her phone less. This is true of Android Wear and Pebble too.

"The problem is: I look at my iPhone too much. Throwing more technology at that problem seems frivolous, but if the right balance of notifications and glances actually succeeds to sift the signal from the noise? If it can reduce the number of times I unlock my iPhone to do a simple little thing like reply to a text, only to fritter away time on three or four apps? That could change my game."

Point is she liked the software and didn't find it confusing. I know to some here that's impossible.

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Really?

So a mass, 30, 50, 100, 500? of circular icons, all jammed together, with no text to identify them is "clean and easy to use"

Would you lay the screen of say a Mac or iPad out this way?

I'm not saying here is a better way, but I'd hesitate to call a mass of icons all clumped together "clean"

One I doubt most people will have hundreds of icons on their watch. Second the companion app allows you to arrange icons so the ones you use the most are front and center. My guess is the apps you use the most will have a familiar icon you'll easily recognize (perhaps because they mirror iPhone icons).

 

[samcraig]

Point is she liked the software and didn't find it confusing. I know to some here that's impossible.

I don't think it's impossible. But I am entitled to think that the UI as shown is not something I think is intuitive (to me).

Anyway - this is one reviewer (and from a Mac publication). I look forward to reading more reviews

 

[Rogifan]

I don't think it's impossible. But I am entitled to think that the UI as shown is not something I think is intuitive (to me).

Anyway - this is one reviewer (and from a Mac publication). I look forward to reading more reviews

Ah so because she writes for Macworld that means she's biased? Otherwise why even mention that? Anyway I'm seeing a range of impressions, some like the UI and think it's quite polished, others are worried it will be too confusing. The only way to know is after reviews come out from people using the watch for more than 10-15 minutes.

 

[samcraig]

Ah so because she writes for Macworld that means she's biased? Otherwise why even mention that? Anyway I'm seeing a range of impressions, some like the UI and think it's quite polished, others are worried it will be too confusing. The only way to know is after reviews come out from people using the watch for more than 10-15 minutes.

No - not necc bias - but clearly someone that has used apple products before and is likely more familiar with the ui style. And definitely someone who is more tech savvy than the "average" joe.

But I agree - time (and more usage) will tell

 

[i0Nic]

I'm a little bit concerned that there was noone to say 'no' to some of these extra features the watch has. It doesn't seem as quickly intuitive to use like the iPhone was. Or even the Mac before it.

There are a variety of different gestures, swipes and taps that perform different actions.

To me the Apple Watch is something I thought Apple wouldn't do with a wearable - cram the iPhone experience into a small screen.

I will be purchasing one and I have high hopes for it. If it actually is intuitive and useful then it could be gamechanging platform. If it's too complicated as I fear, it may not be the success Apple hopes.

 

[docprego]

Where else is force touch used beside switching watch faces?

I was under the impression it will be present throughout the OS and UI as a sort of secondary mouse click to access options.

 

[virginblue4]

Slick UI - but what about the learning curve

I'm a little bit concerned that there was noone to say 'no' to some of these extra features the watch has. It doesn't seem as quickly intuitive to use like the iPhone was. Or even the Mac before it.



There are a variety of different gestures, swipes and taps that perform different actions.



To me the Apple Watch is something I thought Apple wouldn't do with a wearable - cram the iPhone experience into a small screen.



I will be purchasing one and I have high hopes for it. If it actually is intuitive and useful then it could be gamechanging platform. If it's too complicated as I fear, it may not be the success Apple hopes.

Cramming the iPhone experience onto the Apple Watch is exactly what they didn't do. They created a new experience with a level of similarity to the iPhone. Completely different.

 

[samcraig]

Susie Ochs at Macworld said trying on the device and playing with the UI made her want the watch and she's getting one now.

http://www.macworld.com/article/289...g-an-apple-watch-made-me-want-to-buy-one.html

Conversely - all of the below express concerns over the learning curve. Now this is NOT insurmountable in the least - but given that I know plenty of people who still don't realllllllly know how to use their iPhone beyond a very basic level and still struggle at at times - it's not impossible to assume that the same people will struggle and/or get frustrated with navigating the Apple Watch. While I value tech reviews - I will also be looking forward to hearing/reading reviews from the "public."

http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/9/8173805/apple-watch-hands-on

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/133...-what-to-expect-from-apple-s-8-000-smartwatch

http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/09/apple-watch-edition-hands-on/#continued

 

[afsnyder]

Good UX isn't subjective. It just is, as is bad. It's not like we design experiences and just hope for the best with the largest group of people. There are absolutely best practices to follow that have proven effective with people, or behaviors that are easily understood/adopted. UI on the other hand, acceptance of anyway, is subjective, but still, there are also best practices to follow here as well. Apple used to apply design styles to their work that were accepted and praised by the majority of the creative professionals that used their products. I can accept that some people are appreciative of what Apple's doing now with iOS or Yosemite, or even with the Watch UI, but you cannot deny the inconsistencies that exist now, where they didn't before. I wasn't a fan of the mild-medium skeuomorphic style that Scott Forstall and Steve Jobs were big fans of, but at least you could argue that that design style was applied consistently across software. That isn't the case anymore.

And I'm too lazy to respond directly to the other guy, so who knows if he'll see this, but I referenced my being in UX because it's what I do for a living, so I feel I notice when it's well done, or done poorly. And as someone who's always been in awe of Apple's amazing attention to detail here, I feel it's much more lacking these days.

As for the Android Wear/my lacking taste comment, believe me, it was hard to give this praise. I've owned every single iPhone that's ever been, and I've owned 4 different Android phones. I've hated every single one of them, but Material Design and the work Google has done with Google Now, has started to change my mind. I don't know enough about Wear enabled watches to say if they're doing a good job, experience wise, or not, but from a strictly visual perspective, the UI is much nicer than Apple's offering here. And not by a little.

I completely get it. I feel like Apple is stepping in the right direction with Yosemite and iOS but they just need to refine it more. Whether that means getting rid of the blurs, improving animations or removing white-space is up for Apple to experiment with.

 

[Rogifan]

Conversely - all of the below express concerns over the learning curve. Now this is NOT insurmountable in the least - but given that I know plenty of people who still don't realllllllly know how to use their iPhone beyond a very basic level and still struggle at at times - it's not impossible to assume that the same people will struggle and/or get frustrated with navigating the Apple Watch. While I value tech reviews - I will also be looking forward to hearing/reading reviews from the "public."

http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/9/8173805/apple-watch-hands-on

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/133...-what-to-expect-from-apple-s-8-000-smartwatch

http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/09/apple-watch-edition-hands-on/#continued

Yes that's what I'm waiting for: reviews from people who have used the device for a longer period of time. Also I wonder if Apple is still making software tweaks (the contacts UI is different from what we saw last year). No way will the software be perfect out of the gate and I fully expect UI changes as Apple gets feedback from the general public on how they're using the device, whaf works, what doesn't ect. I just hope Apple doesn't let this month plus before the watch ships turn into a vacuum that sucks in all sorts of negativity.