First look at Windows 7's User Interface

Without making many modifications, Microsoft has strongly focused on the user experience. Every effort has been done to enhance it in each possible way.
Microsoft assures Device stage to be a big part of Windows 7. It will change the way you interact with compatible devices and hardware attached to your system.

The improved taskbar is one of the major visible results. Icons have replaced text descriptions buttons. And, you can finally rearrange these icons. The icons will not be jumbled up when you start the computer, next time. The system tray of taskbar has also been improved. The user is the owner of the tray and he can maintain it the way he wants. By default, icons are invisible and they are displayed only when explicitly enabled. The navigation has now become superb. Switching between windows is now done in two levels; hovering over an icon shows a set of window thumbnails running under that application whereas hovering over the thumbnail gives you its full screen preview. Clicking the thumbnail switches windows.

A new UI device that has been introduced by Microsoft in this new version is called Jump Lists. It appears on right clicking the icon. It is a way to get quick access to application features. Applications automatically acquire a Jump List containing their most recently used files. On one hand, Jump Lists provides you with a shortcut to files, on the other hand they sometimes also provide quick access to useful commands. For instance, you can compose an email directly from there without having to open the actual application; similarly music keys help you to control volume, change track, etc without having to open Window Media Player.

Snap feature has been introduced to manage two windows simultaneously. Dragging a window to the left or right edge of the screen resizes the window so that it takes 50% of the screen; hence two windows can be simultaneously opened. With the help of this tool, comparison can be made easily. Organizing windows have become quicker and easier. Dragging a window to the top of the screen maximizes it automatically and dragging it off the top of the screen restores it. With aero peek and aero shake features, a neat desktop can be maintained.
The changes in UI have really impressed users. The new and exciting ways are attracting many users towards this Operating System.

See also
windows 7 activation