Principles

Overview

Designing Metro Style: Principles and Personality. Presented by Samuel Moreau at BUILD 2011.

Authentically Digital

Because we live in a digital world, user interfaces should be dynamic and alive with the use of crisp typography and vivid bold colors. Being "authentically digital" means embracing modern, minimalist design and not trying to emulate the real world.

Pride in Craftsmanship

Applications should be carefully thought out and designed to fit into the users' lives. This means paying particularly close attention to details and taking pride in one's work.

Be Fast and Fluid

Since life is mobile, applications should be designed for touch and allow for intuitive interaction. They should be fast and ready to interact with users. One way to achieve this is to implement dynamic movement and transitions that make the application feel more responsive.

Do More with Less

It's important to focus on being great at one thing and to remember that content should come before chrome with Metro style. Designers want to inspire confidence by being as direct and as clear as possible while making the UI visually stimulating.

Win as One

Make sure to fit within the UI model and reduce redundancy. Also take advantage of tools and templates to have users understand the model.