Abrupt color change near scroll bar is distracting

[Guest]

I think the sharp color change on the right frame border near the scroll bar
should be removed, because it distracts from the scroll bar and thus is
visually tiring.

Outside the vertical scroll bar on the right of every window, Vista Aero
displays a narrow frame that includes a sharp change of color about a
quarter-way down the window. That color change doesn't convey any
information -- it is purely decorative -- but it creates visual clutter in
the area of the scroll bar. The scroll bar is important -- it tells the
length of the document and where one is within the document. Differentiating
between clutter and useful information takes work and thus unnecessary
clutter should be eliminated.

On the other hand, is there some functional benefit provided by that color
change that I haven't recognized yet?

(I'd illustrate that with a screenshot but I don't think this forum supports
that -- too bad, it'd make it easier to talk about UI features.)

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http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/co...72b&dg=microsoft.public.windows.vista.general

 

[Guest]

I found a screenshot illustrating what I mean:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Windows_Vista_Explorer.png

Notice the scroll-bar-like window frame border at the right side of the
image referenced above. At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking
there is a scroll bar in that image, with only a quarter of the document
displayed. But in that image, the contents fits the window so there is no
scroll bar. If there were a vertical scroll bar, it's information would be
in competition with the frame -- unnecessary competition, since I suspect the
abrupt color change is purely decorative.

 

[Richard Urban]

In no way would I interpret that as a scroll bar. To each his own I guess.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

 

[Ian Betts]

--
Ian

I think the sharp color change on the right frame border near the scroll
bar
should be removed, because it distracts from the scroll bar and thus is
visually tiring.

Outside the vertical scroll bar on the right of every window, Vista Aero
displays a narrow frame that includes a sharp change of color about a
quarter-way down the window. That color change doesn't convey any
information -- it is purely decorative -- but it creates visual clutter in
the area of the scroll bar. The scroll bar is important -- it tells the
length of the document and where one is within the document.
Differentiating
between clutter and useful information takes work and thus unnecessary
clutter should be eliminated.

On the other hand, is there some functional benefit provided by that color
change that I haven't recognized yet?

(I'd illustrate that with a screenshot but I don't think this forum
supports
that -- too bad, it'd make it easier to talk about UI features.)

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/co...72b&dg=microsoft.public.windows.vista.general

In what windows? You did not say which window you had open, because it dooes
not happen on anything I have ever opened.

 

[Ed Forsythe]

Sorry Richard, I agree with Baffin. I looks like a scroll bar to me - I keep
looking for the scroll arrows.

 

[John Inzer]

I think the sharp color change on the right frame border near the
scroll bar should be removed, because it distracts from the scroll
bar and thus is visually tiring.
snip<

==========================

Maybe these article will offer some ideas:

Windows Vista
Change the colors on your computer
http://tinyurl.com/2fl8db

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! -
Digital Image MVP

Digital Image
Highlights and FAQs
http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

Notice
This is not tech support
I am a volunteer

Solutions that work for
me may not work for you

Proceed at your own risk

 

[Adam Albright]

I found a screenshot illustrating what I mean:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Windows_Vista_Explorer.png

Notice the scroll-bar-like window frame border at the right side of the
image referenced above. At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking
there is a scroll bar in that image, with only a quarter of the document
displayed. But in that image, the contents fits the window so there is no
scroll bar. If there were a vertical scroll bar, it's information would be
in competition with the frame -- unnecessary competition, since I suspect the
abrupt color change is purely decorative.

It is suppose to be decorative. You can change it by right clicking on
your desktop, personalize, Window color and appearances and play with
the color intensity slider or try some other color or just uncheck
transparency. If you still like transparency try the frost selection
is has the least color effect. I change mine every few weeks just
because you can. Supposedly Microsoft invested both a lot of money and
time developing this feature with their goal being to make the chrome
more appealing and less harsh. Some people like it, others think they
messed up. I'm neutral.

I got more important things to worry about. ;-)

 

[Richard Urban]

A scroll bar is 4 times the width of the window border and has up and down
arrows. In no way do I see, even remotely similar, as a scroll bar.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)