How Apple improved the list view in iTunes10
I´m always excited about design changes when Apple releases a new version of [enter name of software].
When I first layed hands on iTunes 10 this morning I realized how the list view has slightly changed.
My first impression of the list view was that it´s tidier, less cluttered, easier to read. This is due to the fact that Apple hase increased line-height, simplified the checkbox and got rid off vertical grid to improve the overall appearance.
The vertical grid in list view is completely gone. It´s just indicated by a pointy stroke in the table header. Way better.
The lines in list view are slightly higher. Font size, leading etc. stay the same. But these additional 2 Pixel of line height improve the readability of the whole list dramatically.
Maybe in order to compensate that the list takes up more room they shrinked the fixed elements on top an bottom by leaving out the word “iTunes”, moving and rotating the standard button row (maximize window, close window etc.).
This saves a few pixels, but still the new list view can display about 10% less entries in my setup. In my personal opinion it´s a design decision worth it.
First, I did´nt really like the new checkbox design at all. But even if you blur them you´ll still recognize them as checkboxes. That´s an improvement compared to the previous versions.
Looking at the new icon in detail I realized that the arrow is still the same size. They just left out the border and added 1 Pixel on the bottom and the right.
I´m really amazed what difference these small changes make sometimes.
And by the way: the checkbox has its own column now so you can move it seperate from the title´s name.
The new checkbox is still no beauty, but it works brilliant. And when designers accept a subordinate role of form to function you´ll always find me applauding – eventually.
