P: New user interface lacks contrast and many usability cues, lots of other problems

You make valid points. The pen/tablet is the right direction, no argument against that. The problem is still designing an intuitive UI that satisfies a professional's needs. Form follows function - always. Photoshop's new UI was not well conceived, even for those who plan to use it only on tablets. I draw classically standing up as well as prefer my computer the same way. You involve more of your body into the mechanical, artistic process, especially if you draw.

Touch? Here's some pre-Photoshop History. In 1981 I was a founding member of Via Video, a Cupertino Startup which introduced graphics computing to artists, animators, corporate art departments and colleges. At that time the Qantel Paintbox and AMPEX Ava were the only professional electronic paint systems. Like them, we featured a Sumagraphics 'bitpad' ($1000) pen and tablet as an input device.
This is 1981 - the Mouse was new, Apple computers were text only.

Invariably when demonstrating the product artists would ask "how can I draw and not look where my hands are?" I would ask, "Do you watch the steering wheel when you drive?"

In the 34 years since, we have learned to accept what was so clear at the time, looking up while working makes sense, resting the hand comfortably make sense, keeping the neck and back straight makes sense.

The ergonomics of pen/tablet/monitor are so compelling as to be a case to INVENT IT IF IT DIDN'T EXIST.

Thanks so much for the tip - I've turned both off and things are already worlds better!

AI and ID already have the new open dialogs. Wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the interface "upgrade" is coming soon. Remember, it's so important to make these apps touch friendly.

Agreed, I also use Illustrator and the difference is HUGE between both UIs.

Your Screen Shot shows the new "Recent Files" dialogue.

This abomination can be turned off in your Ps Prefs.

Recent Files still show up in the traditional "File menu/Open Recent" fly out.

There is also an Extensions icon, which you can add to a sidebar, should you ever want to access the new "Recents" panel (which in reality seems to be an Adobe Advertising Billboard and an attempt by Adobe Marketing to thrust extra Cloud-purchasable Services in our faces?!).

I have disabled both the "Start" and the new "Recents" panels in my Prefs..

In the 20 years I've been using Photoshop, I've never felt the need to publicly share any feelings of discontent about the software. Like Illustrator and InDesign alike, they are incredibly powerful, intelligently throughout applications that have served me and my designer peers incredibly well. However, I'm truly appalled at the user interface changes to Photoshop in the last Creative Cloud update. Seriously I want to go back - I don't care what other features were added - I've lived well without them. On my Mac, the interface just looks like a mistake and has so many weird bugs. It doesn't feel intelligently thought out - it just appears to be designed to "look good." I don't doubt the changes help touch screen users with the larger buttons and more touch-contexual iconography, but for desktop users (your largest user base) it's terrible. Please consider rolling back some of the user interface changes (the new file browser/dialogue box is the worst offender) or at least make the "classic" interface an option. I also feel I wasn't well informed about these massive changes before hitting "update" or else I wouldn't have done it. If this is the direction in which all CC apps are headed, I will absolutely be looking into the Affinity apps in place of Creative Cloud.

I totally agree the above comment by Kris Hunt but I'll go even further: the world's best photo imaging and design software now has the world's worst interface.

Any software should be intuitive and easy to use, the UI should be have contrast, be legible, allow fast decisions and be accurate. This interface is just so far off the mark it is almost laughable, no other software I have ever used looks as bad.

No doubt there is much back slapping and mutual admiration amongst the designers but us users (customers) have been sorely neglected. The comments on this page should be presented to all senior management of Adobe.

Off topic posts and posts that violate the terms of use will be removed.

The mods are now deleting posts here. Not a good sign.