[chadk]

Consistency is still important, especially on the "truck" computers which are much more prone to damaging actions by novice users compared to iOS. Hell, messing with standard interface elements can even mess advanced users up. Opened up Logic or Sound space designer recently?

Maybe regular users _are_ getting more used to different looking widgets (eg. All the different kinds of custom buttons on websites) but I don't think the HIG should be binned just yet. It needs to be abstracted: specific UI concepts/patterns, rather than specific colors of dropdown menus etc. That said, universal, system level elements like window controls shouldn't be messed with IMO.

[toddmorey]

I really agree with this perspective. I think folks get too hung up on the actual appearance vs. the usability. Sometimes I don't like the look when apps recolor standard controls, but I don't find them less usable. Just don't change usability patterns like keyboard shortcuts or the ability for a window to be minimized to the dock.