Rick Reifenstein

This week I started testing Windows 8 Developer release. It is a bold step for Microsoft. They have really bet that the tablet is the future of computing. While I am a huge fan of new user interfaces for computers, Windows8 will be  a challenge for computer users that are using a desktop or traditional laptop. Yes Microsoft does include the normal desktop to run applications like Word, Outlook, and other non-touch oriented applications, but the Start menu has been replaced with the Start Page. This might throw people, and may be a steep learning curve. For a tablet user however, Win8 begs you to touch it. It's big colorful blocks of "live" information make it so easy to use your hands and stylist to interact with it, you can't help but want to use it. What I'm looking forward to is seeing how Windows 8 can be used in non-traditional computer situations like, kiosks, way finding, touch aware surfaces etc. I want to see Windows go further than just "cool" ...

I wanted to share a great site on a subject I found my self interested in when I started designing applications for Microsoft Surface a few years ago. In 2007 I was asked to find an interactive multimedia solution for the Special Collections Library's Delcaring Independance Exhibit. I found what was then called "Vienna" at Microsoft Research. Vienna became "Surface". I convinced the Library to spend the money to purchase the unit. They agreed but on one condition; due to lack of funds or desire for in house programmers to learn C# and .NET, I had to program it! I agreed and started down a path into unknown territory. I NEVER programmed anything in my life! Besides learning to write applications I also learned how to design and application that would be used in a 360 degree interface, multiple touch point, multiple "click events" and take into consideration how people interact with digital version of real world objects. At some point it all became very...