# Metro

> internal code name of a typography-based design language

**Wikidata**: [Q1148750](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1148750)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_(design_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/metro

## Summary
Metro is an internal code name for a typography-based design language developed by Microsoft. It was used as the visual design language for Windows 8 and Windows Phone, emphasizing clean typography and simplified user interfaces.

## Key Facts
- Developed by Microsoft as an internal code name for a typography-based design language
- Replaced Windows Aero as the visual design language for Microsoft products
- Used on Microsoft Windows, Windows Phone, and other Microsoft platforms
- Followed by Continuum and Microsoft Design Language 2
- Also known as Microsoft design language, modern UI, and has aliases in multiple languages
- Instance of both software and design language classifications

## FAQs
### Q: What is Metro design language?
A: Metro is Microsoft's internal code name for a typography-based design language that emphasizes clean, simplified user interfaces with a focus on typography. It was used in Windows 8 and Windows Phone.

### Q: Who created Metro design?
A: Microsoft created Metro design language as an internal code name for their typography-based design system. It was developed by Microsoft's design team for use across their product ecosystem.

### Q: What replaced Metro design language?
A: Metro design language was followed by Continuum and Microsoft Design Language 2, which evolved the design principles established by Metro.

## Why It Matters
Metro design language represented a significant shift in Microsoft's approach to user interface design, moving away from the glass-like effects of Windows Aero toward a cleaner, more typography-focused aesthetic. This design language helped unify the visual experience across Microsoft's diverse product ecosystem, from desktop operating systems to mobile devices. By emphasizing content over chrome and using bold typography as a primary design element, Metro influenced the broader tech industry's move toward flat design and minimalist interfaces. Its impact extended beyond Microsoft products, as many competing platforms adopted similar design principles in response to Metro's clean, content-focused approach.

## Notable For
- Being Microsoft's first major typography-focused design language
- Unifying visual design across Windows 8, Windows Phone, and other Microsoft platforms
- Influencing the industry-wide shift toward flat design and minimalist interfaces
- Introducing the concept of "content before chrome" in user interface design
- Serving as the foundation for later Microsoft design languages like Fluent Design

## Body
### Development and Origins
Metro was developed internally at Microsoft as a code name for a new design language that would replace the glass-like Windows Aero aesthetic. The design philosophy centered on typography as a primary design element, with clean lines and simplified interfaces that put content first.

### Technical Implementation
The design language was implemented across multiple Microsoft platforms including Microsoft Windows and Windows Phone. It required specific design guidelines for developers and designers working within the Microsoft ecosystem, establishing consistent visual patterns and interaction models.

### Evolution and Succession
After its introduction, Metro design language was eventually succeeded by Continuum and later Microsoft Design Language 2. These successors built upon Metro's foundational principles while introducing new design elements and interaction patterns to address evolving user needs and technological capabilities.

### Design Principles
Metro emphasized several key design principles including:
- Typography as a primary design element
- Simplified, content-focused interfaces
- Consistent visual language across platforms
- Clear hierarchy and information architecture
- Touch-friendly interaction patterns

### Industry Impact
The introduction of Metro design language had a significant impact on the broader technology industry, influencing the adoption of flat design principles and minimalist interfaces across competing platforms and applications. Its emphasis on content over decorative elements helped establish new standards for user interface design.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013