Microsoft is going to add depth effect with shadows to Windows windows

Microsoft has given a glimpse of the Windows 10 display tweaks it’s working on. Among other things, windows are given depth, with shadows that adapt to light elements on the screen.

Microsoft says it will use the z-axis and shadows for application windows. The change is part of Fluent Design, the set of design rules and standards that should give Windows 10 a consistent modern look. Microsoft not only applies these itself, but also encourages developers to adhere to the ‘design manual’.

Microsoft is adopting Fluent Design incrementally, starting with last year’s Creators Update. Among other things, the company already uses lighting effects for the position of the mouse and semi-transparent window parts. In any case, in the fall of this year and the spring and fall of next year, Windows updates with Fluent Design adjustments will be coming.

The shadows of windows like the ones coming to Windows this year react to light to give a realistic depth effect. For example, this could be the light that follows the mouse pointer, an effect that Microsoft calls Reveal. According to the company, shadows create a hierarchy at layers of windows, which means that newly opened menu windows appear to be superimposed on already open menus. Going forward, Microsoft wants to go much further with depth effects and strives to provide a unified view, whether on a PC monitor or in a VR room.

Microsoft will also use a simpler color scheme that developers can apply to their apps with their own palette. The company also advises developers to place the ‘back’ button in the top left of apps by default and there will be a mode for a compact view, where text and buttons are closer together.

Microsoft showcased Fluent Design’s progress during its “Evolving our Design System” presentation at the company’s Build developer conference this week.