Wishful tinkering: Redesigning the 360 Dashboard

by Randy Nelson { Jul 1st 2008 at 2:25PM }

As Sony continues to evolve the PS3's user interface, is Microsoft resting on its laurels? After it nixed the expected spring Dashboard update, we began to suspect something was up. The gang at The Fanboys postulate that a refresh of the Dashboard could well be in the cards, and have produced a very compelling deconstruction / reconstruction of their own.

They reckon that only about 12% of the Dashboard's current screen real estate is devoted to actual user-specific content. Their speculative "dream" design addresses that, along with the still not-quite-there content location features. It's a really great read ... and hopefully something MS takes a look at.

Tags: dashboard, microsoft, redesign

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

nightmare452 @ Jul 1st 2008 2:31PM

That looks very nice, hopefully we get another update for the dashboard soon. And cut back on a little advertisement.

Marty @ Jul 1st 2008 2:44PM

Very nice? Are you kidding, me? I think I'd have an aneurysm if I had to stare at that mess every time I powered up my Xbox.

Whatever they decide to do, if anything, let's hope they take some time to make it right, like they've done for the last few dashboard updates. I really don't mind the time in between updates if they continue to be as good as they have been.

The Xbox team has given me hope that at least one head of the Microsoft beast listens to its customers and tries to suit their wants / needs.

E.J. @ Jul 1st 2008 3:23PM

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Live Team needs to take a page from the PSN: content organization!

rv @ Jul 1st 2008 4:21PM

What they need to include in the next update:
+ MKV SUPPORT
+ support for level 5.1 AVC, the level that most avc video streams are
+ support for video files larger than 4gb, right now you have to split them
+ also support for avc's at higher bitrates would be nice

The 360 would be the media machine of choice for many if they included those features.

NATO_Duke @ Jul 1st 2008 4:24PM

rv, I cant see any of those things being a priority to the gamer base at large that they need to humor.

Paul (PSN: heypaul) @ Jul 1st 2008 4:25PM

I've always found it ironic that a company known for its operating systems crafted something as atrociously garish and cramped as the 360 dashboard. Don't get me wrong, from a functionality standpoint, it edges out the PS3 interface, but from an aesthetic standpoint, both the original and this guy's revision are rainbows of cluttered, inelegant, messy text. I'm half expecting to hear the latest Fallout Boy single, since it looks more like a MySpace page than an operating system.

rv @ Jul 1st 2008 4:32PM

Well, nato, I figure they cared enough about media functionality that they gave us AVC and divx support, so why leave it half assed. Right now, in order to get a hd mkv (which is what most hd files are, mkv's) to your 360, you have to use software like xenonmkv and convert it for hours, and if it is an avc with a very high bitrate, you may have to sit through a 10 hour reencode process, due to lack of compatibility. You are right, most people with a 360 probably don't know what AVC is, but they cared enough to include support using an mp4 container, why leave it gimped?
Also, the 360 with extended media features would be reat to get consumers who want an device that they can hook up to the tv to play content. Right now, their choices are a media center pc, or something like popcorn hour, but having a 360 with that functionality would kill 2 birds with one stone for many.

NATO_Duke @ Jul 1st 2008 4:56PM

Can someone explain this to me - they propose hotkeys for the different blade areas, but when you are in those you need to use the keys for functions like dl or whatever. So that would disallow you to then use the button to go to another area. Am I missing something, or is the hotkey idea fatally flawed?

Ayrkain @ Jul 1st 2008 6:38PM

Wish they'd give the 360 the Vista treatment. Vista does have a nice aesthetic going for it.

born2kill @ Jul 1st 2008 2:35PM

That interface is ugly as hell. But i agree that MS has been resting on its laurels and is due for something new and refreshing (internet browser or newton controller or something, anything)

Hala Madrid!! (Madrileno hasta la muerte!) @ Jul 1st 2008 3:11PM

internet browser? for what? that's why we have computers for dude.

what the fuck is is newton controller?

Hala Madrid!! (Madrileno hasta la muerte!) @ Jul 1st 2008 3:16PM

*what in the world is a newton controller?

there, much better.

Fernando Rocker @ Jul 1st 2008 3:24PM

The Newton controller is the rumored motion sensing controller for the 360.

born2kill @ Jul 1st 2008 3:51PM

I know that we dont need it, but i've gotten used to MS and Sony updating their stuff regularly, and its been a while since MS has added anything noteworthy. So their due to unveil something besides those stupid avatar things. A new look and some new features for the dash would be nice.

Chuck @ Jul 1st 2008 2:37PM

We could only be so lucky.

Marco Catena @ Jul 1st 2008 2:38PM

The current Dashboard looks ugly, a redesign would be great!

Neebs @ Jul 1st 2008 2:38PM

I think it's kind of cool that my friend pays $50 a year for XBL Gold and still gets ads on Dashboard, while I pay nothing for my PSN account and I don't get any ads, besides that little ticker.

So removing the ads, MS, would be nice.

Marty @ Jul 1st 2008 2:47PM

But you're paying for Qore, right? [rolls eyes]

I pay for cable TV, and I see ads there. I pay for internet, and I see ads there.

Should I pretend like a few tiny ads, mostly for games that I just might be interested in, burn a hole in my eyes? Or should I pretend that the PSN is better, and offers more, when it obviously does not?

How about we just put all this behind us. And stop this "OMG ADS MAH EYES!" crap. It makes no sense.

xFenixKnightx @ Jul 1st 2008 2:50PM

Marty for the MF WIN! +1

arrrgh @ Jul 1st 2008 2:50PM

wait...HOW big did you say your dick was?

CB @ Jul 1st 2008 2:51PM

Non-gaming ads used to be prevalent but now they're mostly marketplace related.

AK @ Jul 1st 2008 2:53PM

So you don't even have live, (your friend does) and you are complaining about the ads on it?

j.howlett @ Jul 1st 2008 3:10PM

you pay for the official xbox magazine?

The_Black_Circle @ Jul 1st 2008 3:12PM

@ Marty
You are paying for Qore IF YOU WANT. It is an optional "bonus" kind of feature. Qore has no effect on your ability to play online multiplayer (unlike 360's Silver service), Is half the price of a Gold membership. And you can pick and choose which eps you want to get, if you are inclined to get them at all as the early content offered in Qore become available for FREE shortly after.

The_Black_Circle @ Jul 1st 2008 3:15PM

also @ Marty
"I pay for internet, and I see ads there."
Get yourself Firefox & learn how to use adblock.
If you want TV without ads, use uTorrent.

Obie @ Jul 1st 2008 3:16PM

@ Marty, the reason I hate ads so much on the 360 is because they put ads ahead of functionality.

The "games" blade is a perfect example. Instead of putting two buttons there (one for XBL games, one for Demos), they lump em together in the "all games" button. Then they slap an ad underneath it and make you dig two blades deeper until you have access to stuff you PAID for.

And that is UBERLAME.

Marty @ Jul 1st 2008 3:28PM

@Obie - that's assuming there was something to go in that place to begin with.

@The_black_circle - Of course you don't have to pay for Qore, but many people are, and it is essentially just paying for demos and other content earlier, which (obviously) is what Xbox Live Gold is.

Your argument about bypassing ads on TV and the internet is stupid. You're telling me I should steam TV shows if I don't want ads, which is not a real solution to the 'problem.' Bypassing ads on the internet is easier (and legal), but I can do the same thing for my Xbox - there are free networks out there that you can route your 360 to instead of Xbox Live.

And of course, you can connect to multiplayer games for free with the PSN. But what does that have to do with ads?

Anticrawl @ Jul 1st 2008 3:34PM

IF you have ads on your 360 dashboard it is your OWN fault. There is an option to opt out of seeing adds the first time you set up your 360 and account. I opted out, I've never seen an add and I've had my live account since day one and my 360 since launch (obviously not the same 360 granted, that was about 5-6 consoles ago).

Neon Jebus @ Jul 1st 2008 3:36PM

Marty,

My issue with the ads would be the fact that they charge money to purchase themes only to cover a good deal of the image with ads. Oh does that character have a head? Well I don't know for sure but I sure need to hurry over to purchase new episodes of Lost over at the Marketplace.

Let me guess, you're the type the loves those little motion ads that run on the bottom of TV shows advertising the upcoming episode of some reality show.

As others have stated, at least PS3 owners have the option to purchase Qore. But if you want to think about it, your yearly membership now helps pay for all the Inside Xbox content that is 'free'. Unless you have a Silver Membership which means it is free.

As for this design...way too busy. I would rather have the current design.

Neon Jebus @ Jul 1st 2008 3:42PM

@ Anticrawl

Can I ask if you migrated your Live access from your Xbox directly to your Xbox 360? That was a way to get away from ads.

The other way was signing up for the service and the gamertag was under 18 years of age.

I had advertising options but it was regarding sending email to the account I registered under, NOT my dashboard.

Vidikron (FU) @ Jul 1st 2008 3:44PM

@Anticrawl

I don't remember seeing that option... and this is the first I've ever heard about it.

ogvor @ Jul 1st 2008 4:16PM

As much as I think PS3 fanboys can be an annoying lot, Neebs has a point. After getting my PS3 bundle this month, I've noticed right away that the interface seems a little more... mature than my 360's. I'm not saying all Xbox 360 owners are immature frat boys (though many are) or that PS3 fanboys are effete snobs (though many are) but the ad stricken Xbox interface, while functional, doesn't look like something that would be found on high end consumer electronics.

Neon Jebus @ Jul 1st 2008 4:24PM

@ ogvor

Very well said. I'm new to the PS3 side of things and have noticed the nice clean look of things.

PS...I own a PS3 and I'm in a fraternity...uh oh!

NATO_Duke @ Jul 1st 2008 4:29PM

A lot of discussion for a post obviously done to start a flame war fight.

Yeah, the MS dashboard needs a facelife, but it sure as hell doesn't make the device less appealing to use. Though, the PSN setup and XMB are much nice to look at and run through.

Obie @ Jul 1st 2008 5:26PM

"that's assuming there was something to go in that place to begin with."

There was, XBL games and demos used to be accessible directly from the game blade, then in a subsequent update they burried access to those two menu's down and put an ad button where they used to be....very lame.

superberg @ Jul 1st 2008 5:54PM

I agree that paying for Live and getting ads is a joke.

@ Marty:

But you're paying for Qore, right? [rolls eyes]

Nope.

I pay for cable TV, and I see ads there. I pay for internet, and I see ads there.

There are a number of flaws in this comment. In paying your local cable company, you are paying for feeds of FREE(or very inexpensive) satellite channels. HBO and Showtime, which are considered Premium(ie, paid) content, is largely commercial free. Your cable subscription covers the cost of the actual cable and its maintenance. That's where the term "CATV" comes from: Community Antenna TeleVision.

As for Internet, I don't get ads from my ISP. The web sites I visit may have advertising, but that covers the cost to produce content, not my connection. If Microsoft gave free content -- complete content, not demos -- this might not be as much of an issue.

Of course, if the advertising was less garish, it might be less of an issue, too.

Should I pretend like a few tiny ads, mostly for games that I just might be interested in, burn a hole in my eyes? Or should I pretend that the PSN is better, and offers more, when it obviously does not?

Rampant Fanboyism does not an argument make.

How about we just put all this behind us. And stop this "OMG ADS MAH EYES!" crap. It makes no sense.

It makes plenty of sense. Opinion and fact are, in fact, two completely different things.

You'll understand when you're older.

Possibly.

Neebs @ Jul 1st 2008 8:18PM

"A lot of discussion for a post obviously done to start a flame war fight."

Seriously? No, I was bringing up a legitimate point.

Fernando Rocker @ Jul 1st 2008 2:42PM

Maybe Joystiq should start redesigning the comment section instead...

Comments keep disapearing and you need to refresh several times... since last week.

It's annoying, kinda like the hummingbird ad.

xFenixKnightx @ Jul 1st 2008 2:47PM

It's more annoying than the hummingbird.

Joystiq...shutdown, reboot. kthxbai.

FOXHOUND @ Jul 1st 2008 2:49PM

LoL Fenix... don't forget to wait 20mins.

As for the dashboard... keep it neat, simple, and direct.

deaftly @ Jul 1st 2008 3:12PM

Format c:

Jakka @ Jul 1st 2008 3:19PM

What about Joystiq Forums?

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Jul 1st 2008 5:55PM

Agreed. Seriously something needs to be done about the site.

DarkLeaper @ Jul 1st 2008 2:42PM

Looks like a scanned Circuit City ad.

Neon Jebus @ Jul 1st 2008 3:44PM

Good call, I was thinking the same thing.

M @ Jul 1st 2008 2:47PM

fix the link...

Joe @ Jul 1st 2008 2:45PM

Sorry to be blunt, but I'm afraid I dont' agree with the design here. While some interesting ideas, on the whole it doesn't work.

First, the UI needs to work on SD and HD screens, which this won't. Even on HD screens the amount you can see is variable. You cannot ignore the SD, they are the majority.

Second, using buttons to choose the tab is cumbersome.

Third, there is too much information, particularly on the blades tab. Related is the excessive use of color for everything (including icons). The dashboard DID have color icons in some areas for awhile but MS took them out in the last dashboard update because it was just too distracting.

Fourth, the blades tabs have too much space, relatively speaking occupied by the non blade information.

Fifth, search is tough and mostly likely wouldn't be used by most people. The header spinner MS used is a fairly good primary solution as long as you have options (including ratings, either globally or friends only). Search is potentially doable BUT only as a secondary measure. Remember too, that the console is international, so doing that well for characters spaces of thousands of characters is needed (ie Japanese).

Sixth, it is generally considered a bad design pattern to have a ton of different flows (up/down vs left/right) for UI.

I think the analysis of space occupation is a good one, and something MS should consider heavily, but generally your designs aren't the direction to go.

It is hard to determine which is worse, the PS3 or 360 dashboard, they both have issues. I find the PS3 interface more distracting than the 360, though it is 'prettier'.

So again, I agree the dashboard could be better, something like this is even more distracting than the PS3's interface. Take a look at Apple's interfaces...while I don't agree with everything Apple does, they don't give UI's that suffer from overload. They are stream-lined and purpose built for a short number of tasks.