The Flat Design Era
Microsoft seems to be the biggest current proponent of flat design, and I must say it's not so great for usability.When I see this: http://www.istartedsomething.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/...  I have no idea what is and is not a button.  I suppose it's all a button.  But there are zero affordances in this UI.This is now finding its way to Microsoft's websites.  On outlook, I can't quickly find the buttons to do key tasks: http://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/story/70/00/001893/eb-new-outl...I think the reaction to excessive skeuomorphism is well founded, but removing all affordances isn't the proper way to move forward either.