We got some comments from the usual Hate Everything Microsoft Does crowd. Those just get ignored.
We managed the
there is less document window space before getting any comments by demonstrating what our software was like when it was originally designed when screen resolutions were at 800x600 vs today and how many features were exposed and never more than 2 clicks away at the most. We also showed that some windows gained some document size and some lost at the most a dozen or so pixels. We pushed the Quick Access toolbar set below the collapsed Ribbon as a really great way to customize your workspace without sacrificing the ease of use of the Ribbon.
The Office 2007 Application Button was the most problematic for us. It was so big and obvious, no one ever clicked it and we got a lot of calls saying how do I save, print, open etc.. The Windows 7 style window with the File tab and Backstage/Menu that Office 2010 uses is a much better implementation and I am excited to start creating some Backstage designs.
For the most part, people didn't really care. I guess that is a compliment. They just kept working after a huge user experience change from the Windows 95/98 style Menu/Toolbar interface.
I do understand what you're talking about regarding it clashing with more minimalist designs. I have a feeling things may change. It matches Windows 7's aesthetic but not Metro at all. A bigger clue as to where it is going is to look at Office 15 where some Metro elements have been included in Outlook while maintaining the Ribbon. The document space has been greatly simplified and most interface elements removed and switching modes slides horizontally like Metro Apps. Where it will end up, I wish i knew.
