Ribbon (computing)
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In GUI-based application software, a ribbon is an interface where a set of toolbars are placed on tabs in a tab bar. Recent releases of some Microsoft applications have embraced this form with an intricate modular ribbon as their main interface.
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[edit] Ribbons in Microsoft software
Microsoft originally implemented ribbons as part of its "Fluent User Interface" in Office 2007.[1] The ribbon is formed as a panel that houses certain command buttons and icons; it organizes commands as a set of tabs, each grouping relevant commands. Each application has a different set of tabs which house the options for that specific application. Within each tab, various related options may be grouped together. The Ribbon can be minimized by double clicking the active tab.[2] The ribbon consolidates the functionality previously found in menus, toolbars and many task panes into one area.[3].
The ribbon UI has also begun to be implemented in other Microsoft software. Some applications in Windows 7 such as Paint and WordPad now utilize a ribbon-based UI.[4]
[edit] Controversy
[edit] Patent "Land grab"
Mike Gunderloy, a former Microsoft contractor, left the company and ceased using its software partially over his disagreement with the company's "sweeping land grab" including its attempt to patent the Ribbon interface. He refused to "contribut[e] to the eventual death of programming."[5] He states: "Microsoft itself represents a grave threat to the future of software development through its increasing inclination to stifle competition through legal shenanigans."[6][7]
Proponents of free software, such as KDE developer Jarosław Staniek,[8] have expressed beliefs that the patent cannot be acquired due to the ambiguity of prior art.[8] As no patent has been acquired yet[update], they assert that anyone who has not signed the license can legally implement the concept in their applications without having to conform to Microsoft's requirements.[9] It has also been stated that Microsoft will not give their approval to products competing directly with Microsoft's.[10] If the design guidelines contain legal loopholes that give Microsoft a basis for future lawsuits against products exploiting this concept, those disenfranchised would not be able to inform others due to the non-disclosure agreement.[11]
KDE developer Jarosław Staniek notes that the ribbon concept has historically appeared extensively as "tabbed toolbars" in applications such as Macromedia HomeSite, Dreamweaver and Borland Delphi.[8]. Early ribbon UIs were developed by Lotus for their product eSuite. Screen shots are still available in an IBM redbook about eSuite (page 109ff)[12].
Another popular application that has used the "tabbed toolbar" concept is Autodesk Maya.
 "Tabbed toolbars", such as the one found in Allaire HomeSite (now branded Macromedia HomeSite), have been contested as prior art for the Ribbon UI. |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Office Fluent User Interface
- ^ "Microsoft: Use the Ribbon". http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA100898951033.aspx. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ The Microsoft Office Fluent user interface overview. Retrieved 2009-05-24.
- ^ "Ahead of PDC, Microsoft Begins Internal Test of Windows 7". Paul Thurrott. 2008-09-14. http://windowsitpro.com/windowspaulthurrott/article/articleid/100295/ahead-of-pdc-microsoft-begins-internal-test-of-windows-7.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ^ Veteran developer ditches Microsoft for open source, Mike Gunderloy
- ^ Mike - What's Going On Here? at the Internet Archive
- ^ http://thedailywtf.com/Articles/Mike_Gunderloy_on_Access_Perfection_.aspx
- ^ a b c Jarosław Staniek (2005-11-13). "KDE to sue MS over Ribbon GUI?". kdedevelopers.org. http://kdedevelopers.org/node/1617. Retrieved 2007-09-11.
- ^ Mike Weller (2006-11-22). "Office 2007 UI License". Slashdot. http://developers.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/22/0140215. Retrieved 2007-02-01.
- ^ Jensen Harris (2006-11-21). "Licensing the 2007 Microsoft Office User Interface". MSDN Blogs. http://blogs.msdn.com/jensenh/archive/2006/11/21/licensing-the-2007-microsoft-office-user-interface.aspx. Retrieved 2006-02-01.
- ^ Joe Wilcox (2006-11-21). "Microsoft Cuts the Ribbon on Office 2007 UI Licensing". Microsoft Watch. http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/business_applications/microsoft_cuts_the_ribbon_on_office_2007_ui.html. Retrieved 2007-02-01.
- ^ Ben Langhinrich's comparison between MS-RibbonUI and eSuite
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