Flip3D vs. Expose
I’m trying to get my brain around the concept of Microsoft Vista’s Flip3D interface. Someone put a lot of time and energy into the concept to add value to their Operating System. In fact, Microsoft calls it a “Productivity Addon.” My question is: What is the value added?
Window Switching
It appears to do the same thing as Expose, the application switcher mac geeks find hard to live without.
Why do we need it?
The idea behind Expose and Flip3D is to help the user stay organized by showing currently open windows in an unobtrusive way so that the user can quickly move the the window they need. In today’s multitasking world, it’s incredibly important.
Microsoft’s implementation failed miserably. Finding lost windows takes just as long as before, since you still can only flip through windows one at a time. To make matters worse, the users are forced to use the mouse wheel to flip which is not a familiar interface to many users.
My quick research found lots of posts about expose clones for Windows Vista. I have yet to find anyone asking for a Flip3D clone on OSX.
About Josh Walsh
Josh Walsh is a Managing Partner at Designing Interactive. He's also an award winning designer, author and speaker on the topics of User Experience Design, User Interface Design and Usability Research. You can follow him on twitter at: @joshwalsh
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Danny Sedor
Although I have yet to encounter an instance where I have actually needed to use the new Flip3D interface (that I previously thought was the “Aero Experience”), I have found that it is much easier, from an interface standpoint, to use the Up and Down arrow keys rather than the mouse wheel (which some users don’t even have).
In my opinion, I like the Mac version better.
:Ooops, Did I say that out loud?:
October 26, 2007
Josh Walsh
@Danny: I didn’t even realize you could use the arrow keys. Thanks for pointing that out. You can also also cycle by pressing the tab key repeatedly… as that’s intuitive
October 26, 2007
Bonnie Domeny
I’m new to Vista and I’ve rarely used the Flip3D. I thought that was what the task bar was for! I’ve never seen Expose, but the screen shot looks good.
October 26, 2007
Josh Walsh
@Bonnie: Actually we talked about that very thing today at the office. I must commend Vista on an improvement to the taskbar. The thumbnail views on hover are helpful.
October 26, 2007
Danny Sedor
@ Josh: Agreed. The thumbnails are also full-motion. If there is a video playing on one, or a download diallogue box, the animation/video continues in the thumbnail. Kudos to Vista (Oh my, did I say that aloud?)
October 27, 2007
Ryan Heneise
@Danny – for the record, videos and animations also keep playing in Exposé.
Of course, Vista just figured this out. OS X is on to bigger and better things (http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/spaces.html)
October 29, 2007
Josh Walsh
@Ryan. Well put… I’ll get Danny converted one of these days
October 29, 2007
Danny Sedor
Unfortunately I would have to convert to a Mac to catch up…not this year. Vista serves me well.
October 29, 2007
paulo
What I don’t get is this whole need of self-affirmation going on with Mac users. We’re all glad for you.
June 4, 2008
aak
Flip 3D looks nice, but I never use it. I always either use alt + tab, or the taskbar at the bottom
.
December 21, 2008