archive for @jackerb07: Redesigning msconfig.exe

There is nothing wrong with msconfig.exe really since all UX guidelines provided back then are followed closely and consistently. This is just an attempt of mine to make the overall design friendlier to the users, to reduce human mistakes and of course to bring the Fluent look-and-feel into this legacy program.

Introducing the new System Configuration Utility.

Where are the tabs? Interesting question. I've turned the "General" tab into this introductory page showcased in the images above. Rest of the tabs are nested in "View options" button for "Custom startup".

Why? From my point of view, the use of checkboxes, especially indeterminate checkbox right in the introductory page might be confusing for first-time users and affect their experience later-on; at the same time it does not provide much meaningful information for power users. The aim I'm also following here is that to make the click targets bigger, less dense and more visually appealing so as to minimizing the risk of accidental faults.

Screenshot of the current msconfig.exe. The indeterminate checkbox is labeled "Load startup items".

The "Boot" tab: a sense of safety, accompanied by an explorer's fun.

Title bar has transformed into great functions, helping users navigate seamlessly between sections of the program, without fear or feeling overwhelmed. The list view in this context, I think, has an ambiguous narrative. By giving salient information more rooms to breathe, users may scan through and recieve those information in a more confident manner before making decisions.

Boot options also has gotten less dense as I break them down into pages. Here you notice that the "Help" button stays intact as users move through. There are also more design elements that features the sensational Fluent reveal effect and manifold depths.