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Why Westpac's new online bank looks like iOS 7
Westpac's new cross-device online banking site has a modern, stripped-back feel. It treats us like adults.
It has a sophisticated, european look. Lots of white space. Spare easy to read type with lots of room to breath. Simple design elements. It's visually flat. There's an emphasis on colour and typography. Icons are minimal.
Putting aside for one moment the bank's signature bright red livery, the colours are muted. Things don't shout or scream. It's a long way from the Fisher-Price inspired designs of a decade ago that characterised the Windows XP era.
While it is different enough to avoid infringing any intellectual property rights, it manages to remind me of iOS 7.
So, being a blunt journalist, I asked Westpac design manager Brendan Marshall the obvious question: "Was it inspired by iOS 7?"
Marshall laughed at first. Presumably because he understood exactly what I was getting at. But his answer was no, well, a sort-of 'no'.
The point is he explained, modern computer user interface design is evolving towards these spare looking interfaces. Apple's iOS 7 and the Westpac online banking sight are part of the same general movement towards simpler, easier to understand and use designs.
It's a good point, you'll find similar minimal interfaces on other device; Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 and the software Samsung overlays on its S4 smartphone are part of the same aesthetic.
Marshall says its about a move away from the more elaborate designs of the past.
You can say that again. Gone are the faux wood panelling book libraries, fake green baize gaming tables and address book icons that look like, well, address books.
Bill Bennett
Freelance journalist.
Auckland-based Bill Bennett writes technology and business stories that are directly relevant to New Zealand readers.
His emphasis is on telecommunications, but he also covers other aspects of technology and business. You can find his features in the New Zealand Herald and hear him regularly on RNZ Nine to Noon and the NZ Tech Podcast.
Bennett's The Download Weekly newsletter is published every Friday. You can sign up for it here.
If you want to support his work, you can make a donation to his PressPatron account.
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