Microsoft explains WP 8 Lock, Home screen design decisions
updated 08:39 pm EST, Sun November 4, 2012
Behind-the-scenes explain choices in Windows Phone UI
Microsoft has explained its thinking behind the Windows Phone 8 Lock screen and the home screen. Two company blog posts explain the processes behind the two screens, why the changes from what were established in Windows Phone 7.5 were made, as well as some other behind-the-scenes commentary.
The Start screen post talks about how the design team opted for a four-column layout as opposed to three or five, and how the customizable live tile options came about. The increase in “negative space” compared to iOS and Android is intended to focus the user on the content rather than the design aesthetics on display.
The Lock screen has been updated be customizable through settings menus. Notification priorities for individual applications can be set, as well as allowing Apps to take control over the lock screen background, such as a photo from a top news story or an image from a Facebook album.
