The company offers details on its design approach

Apr 29, 2015 21:58 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft's design approach on Windows 10 for Phones was reason for debates in the last couple of months and even if the Redmond-based company is determined to take into consideration the feedback received from users, the result will probably not please everyone.

Today, in the first day of BUILD 2015 conference, Albert Shum, Microsoft's Design Team leader for the Operating Systems Groups was nice enough to share some details on his company's design approach for Windows 10 for Phones.

There have been lots of talks about Microsoft's Hamburger menu and while some prefer the new design approach, many don't find it that good.

Microsoft is fully aware and is willing to make a compromise. Thanks to its universal apps and adaptive UX, Microsoft will allow developers to build one app, but still customize the UX to each device where it's necessary.

Both hamburger and pivotal controls will be available where it makes sense

It looks like the company has decided to offer both options to Windows Phone fans, which means that it will be possible for an app to have both hamburger and pivot controls, but to display the right control at the right time on the right device.

“The hamburger is often used as a consistent navigation element that’s the ‘home’ for an app, always there, helping you go where you want to go. It’s less effective when the items listed in it don’t have a clear hierarchy, or when you need to access it frequently to accomplish your task. Sometimes the app bar, tabs, pivot, or a combination could be better controls for the job,” said Albert Shum.

In order to find the hamburger controls, Windows Phone users will have to open their mobile browser and check out the icon in the top left or top right.

In the end, Microsoft reiterated that it would continue to work to iterate app design to address Insider feedback on how hamburger control is used.