Forget About Windows Vista Aero, New Microsoft User Interface

With Windows Vista, Microsoft applauded the redesign of the traditional Windows graphical user interface with glass effects and transparency. But Windows Aero is nothing compared to the latest UI design initiative from the Redmond company, set up to save lives and not only to offer eye candy. The Microsoft Health Common User Interface (CUI) is available for download immediately, and is a free offering addressed at developers of healthcare programs. Microsoft is delivering both guidance and the software code for building healthcare applications focused on improving efficiency and patient safety.

"For every healthcare institution around the world, patient safety is of paramount importance," said Tim Smokoff, general manager, worldwide health for the Worldwide Public Sector at Microsoft. "The Microsoft Health Common User Interface will help developers building healthcare applications ensure a higher level of quality control through a common look and feel to reduce the margin for error and save lives in the process."

Microsoft revealed that the Health Common User Interface is the end result of a partnership with the National Health Service (NHS) in England which stretched over two years. Essentially, the Redmond company is working to standardize a common graphical user interface across a wide variety of healthcare applications. Ultimately, the CUI will streamline the inherent management process associated with patient-critical functions in healthcare infrastructures worldwide, reducing errors, as well as training and support costs.

"The NHS is a complex organization due to the diversity of care settings, applications and vendors", said Dr. Mark Ferrar, director of infrastructure at NHS Connecting for Health, the government agency tasked with delivering IT change programs for the NHS in England. "Our ultimate goal is to make systems easier to use and more consistent, and increase patient safety in the process. Microsoft's expert role in helping us manage technologies and achieve cost savings is vital; initial feedback is very positive."