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What name should Microsoft use to replace “Metro”?

posted on Aug 3rd 2012 by

Yesterday we got some bad news about the name that has represented the “New Microsoft” image. We’re talking about “Metro,” the name that has been used to describe the Windows Phone design, Windows 8 Start Screen layer, and pretty much every new app that has been made for Windows recently. That name is being changed next week because of some copyright issues.

Until we get a new name Microsoft has instructed people to use the term “new user interface.” Frankly, that’s not going to cut it, and I think we can come up with something better. So let’s hear those name ideas! What do you think the name of the authentically digital design of Microsoft products should be?

Here’s my idea: Minimized

Microsoft has “Minimized Windows.” Like how you minimize a window in the OS. Get it?


  • Modern, like Tom Warren has suggested, or flUId. You know, fast and fluid, plus it has UI right in there. Paul Thurrott mentioned that Microsoft is hedging it’s bet’s on Wndows 8 UI. Meh.

  • CX1

    Segoe UI

  • Codesmith

    Simple letter chage: Retro.

  • Clean UI

  • Mark Klass

    I like this.

  • azsheepdog

    Microsoft Live - to represent the live tiles. also fits in since they have the domain.

  • I like it, but it’s already a font name. Dunno if they should make it the overall design name too. (Also, its rough to pronounce when you first see it so there is kind of an entry barrier there).

  • It looks like the wiki article for Metro Design Language has changed most mentions of “Metro” over to Tile UI. It’s simple and descriptive.

  • Sunovavic

    iMetro UI?

  • Sunovavic

    xBox UI

  • Sunovavic

    Edge UI, Neo UI, Niu UI, Netro UI, Smart UI, Swank UI, Chic UI, Vogue UI….

  • Sarah Rich

    I like Tile UI. Simple and to the point.

  • Scubadog

    Metro AG and whatever other companies whining about Microsoft referring to their new UI as “Metro” can bite me. We’ve lived TWO YEARS with this UI being called-PERFECTLY-the Metro UI. It fits. There is no other moniker that better describes, and it’s ridiculous for any company to think they own the right to such a well-worn and often-exploited word as Metro. It’s everywhere. Yet Microsoft, who has NOT even attempted to copyright it, is cowering to the point that they forbid anyone in the company from referring to it as Metro? I refuse to stop calling it that. Damn the rest of the world. This is just stupid.