Microsoft announces refresh to Visual Studio interface with Fluent Design language

Microsoft has announced a refresh to the interface of its popular development environment, Microsoft Visual Studio. The current visual language, which has not been updated since Visual Studio 2012, has limitations for many customers, according to Microsoft. These include small and crowded controls that can be difficult to interact with, visual noise which makes it difficult to focus or identify the active area, and inconsistent state indication that can cause distractions and confusion.

The new UI updates focus on three main pillars: cohesiveness, accessibility, and productivity. To achieve this, Microsoft has used its Fluent design language, which provides “a unified framework to create and deliver more productive, consistent, and accessible applications”.

The update mainly improves the toolbars, menus, and active region styling. These design changes are still a work in progress, and Microsoft is hoping to make them available publicly soon. The company says that the new interface design will make it easier for developers to create applications with a consistent look and feel, and to work more efficiently.

The announcement has been welcomed by developers, who have long been calling for a refresh to the Visual Studio interface. Many have praised the use of the Fluent design language, which they say will make it easier to create visually appealing and user-friendly applications.