Understanding the Office UI

So I’m involved with a project that’s includes finally deploying Office 2007 throughout the office, and the #1 source of comments from users is the Ribbon. While some like it, most don’t - and some are downright creative in their commentary.

Leading up to the release of Office 2007, I read the blog of Jensen Harris, the ‘Group Program Manager of the Microsoft Office User Experience Team’ (what a job title, eh!).

Going back this week, I found ‘The Office 2007 UI Bible’ - an index page of links to posts that give the back story for the Ribbon UI.

If you’re not familiar with the origins of the Ribbon, go an read some of those posts - they’ll open your eyes.

Alternatively, check out The Story of the Ribbon - a video of Jensen presenting the overall story. Worth watching.