Nov 10, 2023

TODAY IN DESIGN 1983

Windows Opens a New Vista in Computing.

On this day, the landscape of personal computing was forever changed as Bill Gates introduced Windows 1.0. Microsoft's pioneering venture into operating system interfaces promised a new way for users to interact with their computers through graphical icons and multitasking capabilities — a departure from the command-line norm.

Windows 1.0, with its drop-down menus and scroll bars, wasn't just a product; it was a herald of the graphical user interface era, significantly impacting the design and functionality of software to come. It marked the beginning of a series that would eventually dominate the PC market, influencing how millions of people interact with technology daily.

As we look back on the launch of Windows 1.0, we celebrate a milestone that transcended technology, embodying the essence of design innovation and user experience that remains at the heart of personal computing today.

Here’s what’s happening today in design: Herman Miller’s OE1 furniture is back; Humane launches AI Pin; iPhone photography exhibit in Paris opens today; Free design system planning Nov 12th; Bridging the gap between design and engineering; Figma asks, "are designers happy?"; When going big means thinking small; Let ChatGPT roast your landing pages; This trippy tool lets you draw with gradients; A collection of the best storefronts on the internet; Episode 1 of the new Design As podcast; Love the animations in these explorations for a step app; 3D icons could be the next thing in UI; New productivity app Amie looks delightful.

- Cole Derochie