February 14, 2007
Windows Vista Packaging Patched
Earlier this week I came across a Windows Vista Ultimate package here in the office and discovered something interesting - a U.I. flaw in what was probably an uber-expensive package designed by uber-packaging experts from all corners of the world.
I saw the package sitting on a co-worker's desk and was immediately interested. I've worked on designing software packages in the past so a package like the Windows Vista package that is obviously going to be well funded and the product of hundreds of hours of experience deserves some attention. I picked up the package, looked at the front, looked at the back, and proceeded to open it. To my surprise, and some embarrassment because my co-workers were watching, I had a hard time getting it opened. I don't remember how long it took me to get it opened but I do know it was way longer than it should have been. Even after I got it opened, using what appears to be a last-minute hack, I had difficulty opening and closing the package. Is this for real? How many of these packages is Microsoft shipping? Did they test this at all?
The hack I referred to is illustrated in the photo I took below. The little red piece of tape attached to the top of the package can't be part of the original design but without it I would have been really stuck. I'm sure the last minute hack was subject to protest on the designers part - it's ugly. Did Microsoft "Patch" the Windows Vista package? We'll probably never know.
By the way, I passed the package around the office for a little in-house usability testing and a lot of really smart people turned red trying to get the Windows Vista package opened in front of a crowd. That's bad design - period.
Has anybody else had this experience? If so, comment.
Does anybody know who designed the package? If so, comment.
Related:
I found this post on the Windows Vista Team Blog that, after having seen the package for myself, is almost comical.
With Windows Vista and 2007 Office system, we didn't just redesign the software packages themselves, but are also introducing new packaging for the two products. The packaging has been completely revised and, we hope, foreshadows the great experience that awaits you once you open it.
Source -
Announcing New Packaging for ...
Categories: tech.commentary, tech.commentary.microsoft
Technorati Tags: microsoft window+vista vista packaging design window+vista+ultimate package+design software software+package
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Comments
it took me 45 minutes to figure out how to open it, but success only came after googling to find anyone discussing the packaging and difficulties opening. i saw your post and then the picture. tried pulling the red tab/. no go. finally i got a hammer and beat it open. packaging is all over the floor in bits, but i got my software out finally.
Posted by: shannon | June 16, 2007 11:16 AM