LITTLEBLACKDOG.COM

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 8:30 pm Post subject: Microsoft's Mac BU

this article was just posted on slashdot, it's about microsoft's mac business unit, pretty interesting.

Quote:
When McDonough visits Apple, for example, many of the initial questions about a product are about the user experience -- how it looks and feels, why a certain color was chosen, or how a given button works. At Microsoft, conversations tend to start with the underlying technology, or what kinds of protocols were used.

i think that's a great quote to sum up the relationship between the two companies. apple starts with the users in mind, microsoft starts with technology in mind. the mac BU seems to get the best of both worlds

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 7:12 am Post subject:

Best of both worlds...but is one better than the other?

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 8:13 am Post subject:

i'd argue user interface is key. if you have a good layered architecture, you should be able to switch out a crap back end for a better one in subsequent versions, but if you build your interface around features/technolgy instead of the user, you'll most likely come up with a cluttered, intimidating UI.