Adaptive user interfaces for focused attention

 So what do you think of the new ribbon in Microsoft Word 2007?

Link to Adaptive user interfaces for focused attention « Jon Udell

Adaptive interfaces are definitely a good idea. Military fighter jets first took up this idea - keep the interface simple. Humans are not good at simultaneously monitoring hundreds of dials and flashing lights.

But what about the new Office 2007 interface? Jon seems to feel it is a good idea, as have some other writers. But for users who have gotten used to menu items being in a certain place, there is some new learning required.

I expect the Gates empire will find a way to enforce us all to upgrade at one point or another. The Borg Collective will assimilate...