Last Updated on September 13, 2024
Apple is known for its astonishing design. Talking about Mac software, we take for granted beautiful program interfaces. On the contrary, Windows applications often lack a catching cover. People complain on complicated Windows software settings, difficult application behavior and long adaptation period. In a word, usability and design are not the pillars of Windows platform. However, among millions of user-unfriendly tools, there are good-looking programs on Windows landscape that even Mac fans can respect. In this post I focus on top 10 Windows software that differ a lot from its family and are given credit for their cool interface.
1. Soluto
System utilities have never been so attractive before Soluto appeared. A typical system tool interface is stuffed with numbers, pop-up windows, preferences, controls, charts, etc. It has black-white or aggressive green-red color scheme, which frightens in most cases. But Soluto is a great exception of this scare system software list. It distinguishes by bright blue sky colors, a simple stripe layout and absence of annoying alerts. Moreover, plain graphics and charts turn complicated system information into easy and comprehensible data even for non tech-savvy users.
2. Freemake Video Converter
Video encoding is not an every day task for many people. Fremake Video Converter transforms video conversion in a piece of cake. The UI is driven by simplicity idea: pastel background, an icons set, two main action buttons- “Add video” and “Convert”. In the main program window there are no advanced settings, no bit rate changes, no video controls so popular in video converters. Just add a file, choose a video format or device and get your video file. Thanks to Freemake straightforward design, people enjoy video playback with no additional video specific knowledge.
3. Dropbox
A geek concept of file sync might be hard to express visually with Adobe means. But Dropbox has overcome this perplexity by offering a simple folder. Just a folder and a sync trey icon – all that you need to synchronize files on Windows machine. Dropbox usability has won from such limited design. The folder works like a regular folder where users drag and drops files. The icon behavior changes depending on sync state. Thus, Dropbox design – laconic and pure, easily reaches the main goal for all software – get things done quickly without interface wiki studies.
4. Picasa
Free photo jukebox, Picasa deserves a place on the list for its nice black image viewer with air interface. Dark monochrome window allows you to enjoy photos without any distraction. On-demand tool stripe appears when you hove the mouse over. Since the whole screen is devoted to image viewing, your eyes glide smoothly over an image. So Picasa gives a good image perception and positive user experience.
5. Safari
Beautiful Apple web browser looks awesome on Windows too. Rounded buttons, soft colors, tab viewing with widget startup screen are Safari characteristics. The browser is created to devote all attention to web viewing. But it has enough of controls to make necessary actions. That’s why good web surfing performance goes hand by hand with stylish interface.