Metro or Modern UI 简介

比之维基百科和微软官方的介绍，这篇文字显得短小精悍，但仍悉数表达出了Modern UI的要义。

Metro is an internal code name for a typography-based design language created by Microsoft, subsequently used to refer to the User Interface present in the Zune and in Windows Phone 7, and in elements of the upcoming Windows 8 software.

It was created as a product of Microsoft's user interface design work on Zune and Windows Media Center, for use in their mobile operating system Windows Phone 7. A specially made version of Microsoft's Segoe font family, Segoe WP, is used as the main font family for all typographical elements. It is also rumored that Windows 8, the next version of Windows, will take inspiration from Metro.

History

The first roots of Metro's heritage were planted in Windows Media Center for Windows XP Media Center Edition, which favored text as the primary form of navigation.

This interface carried over into later iterations of Media Center. In 2006, Microsoft's R&D department wanted to refresh the Zune interface for its second wave of devices. Microsoft executive Robbie Bach decided to redesign the interface and with more focus on clean typography and less on UI chrome.

The Zune Desktop Client was also redesigned with an emphasis on typography and clean design that was different from the Zune's previous Portable Media Center based UI; this new design eventually became known as "Metro" during Windows Phone 7's development. Microsoft has also begun integrating elements of the Metro design language into its other products, with direct influence being seen in newer versions of Windows Live Messenger and Live Mesh.

Development
Microsoft's design team says that the Metro UI is based on signs on the Metro rapid transit system in King County, Washington. Metro places a large focus on typography and features large text that catches the eye and runs off the page. Microsoft says that Metro is designed to be "sleek, quick, modern" and a "refresh" from the icon-based interfaces of Android and iOS.

All instances use fonts based on the Segoe font family designed by Steve Matteson at Agfa Monotype and licensed to Microsoft. For the Zune, Microsoft created a custom version called Zegoe UI, and for Windows Phone 7, they created the "Segoe WP" font family; apart from minor differences the fonts are largely the same.

Response
Response to Metro has been generally positive. Engadget said "Microsoft continues its push towards big, big typography here, providing a sophisticated, neatly designed layout that's almost as functional as it is attractive." CNET complimented the Metro design, saying "it's a bit more daring and informal than the tight, sterile icon grids and Rolodex menus of the iPhone and iPod Touch."

[From: http://www.businessinsider.com/blackboard/metro]