The GUI should be better. A lot better.

There's a study that shows flat UI designs cause uncertainty and can lower productivity: link My subjective experience agree with the study too. But since the entire industry (be it cooperate or non-profit org) collectively lost their mind and decided flat is the one true way and purged the entire internet of anything vaguely 3D, I can't really compare the experience again in a more objective manner. I'd always go back to [Ross Scott's video of how a "non-expert" view modern GUI]( ▶ this video ) whenever I want some reminder on what good GUI should do. I don't agree with everything he say since a lot of it is subjective, but this video cursed me to pay far more attention on how shitty modern GUI is in my everyday interaction with the computer and phone. (Ross's video essay style is more akin to how a cultist on the street preaches about the UFO or the end-of-the-world and doesn't even care if anyone listen. I personally love it but it may not be everyone's cup of tea)

I was about to type a long comment in response to yours, but then I realized I could just link you a video[1] that goes into detail explaining all the ways in which Windows 7's UI is customizable, in ways that Win 8 onwards are simply, not. The video is 1 hours 17 minutes long, so feel free to speed it up a little. Hope that helps. Cheers! [1] - ▶ this video

One of the strengths is the list of recommended features for a GUI. That really should be called outin the video description or several linked discussions, but doesn't seem to be. I think the version shown at 59m9s is complete: ▶ this video Editing lightly: 1. The GUI should be asthetically acceptable with heavy and long use. 2. There is no perfect GUI for everyone. 3. There are many features that are ideal for the majority of users. 4. The GUI should get out of the way when you don't need it. 5. The GUI should be as efficient as possible if you know what you're doing. 6. The GUI should activate when you want it and not when you don't. 7. It shouldn't be easy to do things you don't want by accident. 8. Switching between mouse and keyboard should be minimised. 9. Use multiple mouse buttons for maximum efficiency. 10. Both low-contrast textual and stark contrast graphical elements should be avoided. I'm not in full agreement (#3 may be debatable) and would add a few items (especially: preserve user state if at all possible). But it's a good starting point for discussion.

Although it may not really fit what you're looking for, there was a one-hour video linked here a few days ago that critiziced the entire modern desktop GUI landscape. Video: ▶ this video Discussion: link

Reminds me of “The GUI should be better. A lot better” by Ross Scott[0]. Edit: looks like this project is already submitted to Ross Scott's forum post[1]. [0] ▶ this video [1] link