Microsoft’s best works are Mac-only

A little while ago, Microsoft unveiled their new app icons for their Mac Office Suite.  And, despite my general indifference to Microsoft design,  (See fantastic video spoof below) these icons seem current, modern, and even… fitting. 

It shouldn’t be surprising that some of Microsoft’s best works are when they expect to be compared to the stylings of Apple.  The iPod begot the Zune, the iPhone’s iOS set up Windows Phone operating system, and arguably Apple’s aqua gloss scheme became the standard for gloss in the 2000’s.  Below is the next step in gloss.

No longer is the computer modeled after the concept of trying to be even higher-definition than the last model.  For five years now, it’s garnered shinier and shinier icons and logos.  2005 gloss clearly pushed the values of bright and new.  Today’s gloss is more concerned with comfort.  The gloss here is subdued, with every line curved and friendly. 

Frog Design, the designers of the new identity, commented to Fast Company that the shapes are the result of keeping the old but combining it with concept of inter-connectivity through the use of a ribbon.  I think it results in a strong and bold yet soft and playful set of images.  It successfully incorporates the home with the professional sensibilities.  These will likely fit alongside the other icons in the Mac OSX dock for a while to come.