It's really a matter of taste. I understand that you feel it wasn't necessary, a...

keithpeter · on July 31, 2015

"But other people felt the look was dated, and well over-due for a refresh. I guess the Firefox developers were in that group."

Is the UI of a piece of software actually a fashion statement?

Should these decisions not be evidence based in some way?

(I use Firefox 39 on Linux and have no strong opinions either way - just interested in the process)

cyphax · on July 31, 2015

I don't know if you're willing to consider it evidence, but I think Apple's success is in large part due to their software and their UI's. iOs in particular.

Also, user interfaces might be closer to fashion than you would think! If you consider Windows XP's look. Imagine Windows 10 looking like that. Or consider Windows 8's different looks compared to Windows 7's. Or Google "material design" on Android Lollipop. Dang, this is exactly like fashion! :D

hueving · on July 31, 2015

cargo culting. Apple's software takes usability into account though and then polishes the look. Mozilla skipped the usability step.

keithpeter · on July 31, 2015

By evidence I meant something more along these lines...

http://design.canonical.com/2013/08/usability-testing-how-do...