Windows site strays from Vista’s look

While Windows Vista has been met with quite a bit of a resistance in the computing community, the current version of Microsoft’s companion Web page for the operating system is an example of clean, fresh design that also distances itself from Vista’s visual cues.

A pale blue background is blended subtly around the Windows logo and navigational elements and then gives way to the body content, a technique that gives the page a soft and friendly but professional look. The site’s navigation is just simple text carefully positioned against the blended image in the background.

It is interesting to note that this version of the Windows page really doesn’t use any of the graphical elements from Vista’s Aero visual style (with the exception of the simulated screen images seen in the laptops).

In the main portion of the site, bold rectangular and square shapes that are layered on top of each other with varying levels of transparency are used to highlight the top content — a great example of how simple geometric shapes can enhance or even take the place of photographs or other art. Combined with stylized text treatment, the page’s top area is active and eye-catching despite the number and size of the images used.

Farther down the page, additional content is grouped into three columns, with the center and wider one devoted to a module that allows users to browse computer systems. A subtle gray gradient placed behind cutouts of laptops adds depth to the page and draws attention to this section of the page. The left column, meanwhile, features content grouped into easy-to-read chunks divided by horizontal gradient rules. The site’s good organization continues on the right side, where a simple bulleted list provides links to other content and downloads.