SIRO - June 10, 2004
Author: Daisuke Yamashita
Version: 1.0
Reviewed by: Josh Hattersley
User Rating: 
64%
SIRO, the newest theme out by DSKY, has hit the streets and received praise and hallelujahs from many users. But does it really holds its own? Read on to find out whether or not this simple yet chic theme is able to live up to the hype and earn a place in the figurative guiKit Hall of Fame.
Aesthetics
Where to begin? SIRO, a minimalist and simple theme, is one of the most visually pleasing I've ever witnessed. The piece manages to retain a consistent nature while at the same time remaining fluid and stimulating. For instance, the harsh gradiation between an off-white and light grey is seen throughout the theme, whether looking at a closed drop-down menu, the menubar at the top of the screen, or even the theme's widgets and buttons. This color scheme is carried out in the menu highlight gimmick, which utilizes a cool rounded rectangle that surrounds the item you're hovering over while not extending to the horizontal edges of the menu. Given its universal prevalence, it's a good thing that said scheme is easy on the eyes and acceptable with any light to medium brightness desktop.
Another item seen throughout the theme is a light blue color that has been labeled as cyan. Its use is subtle yet effective, as the color is only found near the bottom of selected buttons and widgets, on the bottom of selected drop-down menus, and in the middle of scroll bars in the forefront. This gives buttons and selected elements the appearance of an electronic piece of equipment that's been turned on; a nice effect that does much for the theme with little distraction. The only use of this color I found displeasing was its prominence in the Finder window toolbar, as it is this color which is used to highlight the selected item. In other places, the hue is offset by its neon-like presentation. Something a little darker–perhaps the light grey seen elsewhere in the theme–might be more appropriate.
All in all, the aesthetic of the theme is extremely well developed. The widgets and buttons are superb, the coloring is usable and doesn't distract, and all the smaller pieces seem to come together. I found myself staring at an open Preference Pane for a few minutes as I studied the various aspects that composed the scene, all of which flow together in a seamless fashion. Even the circular loading icon has been redone, proving that SIRO spares no expense when it comes to its looks.
Usability
SIRO does not disappoint in this area, either. The first thing you'll notice is that the workspace seems to overlap very nicely into itself with this theme applied. Going from application to application–TextEdit to Safari, for instance–does not even phase me, as the theme cooperates and meshes with each environment. The juxtaposition of color within the theme is such that differentiation between separate elements is retained while the fluidity and consistency is not interrupted. Even Photoshop and Word palettes conform to the new theme, what with a fine looking title bar up top and nicely gradated buttons dispersed throughout. The highlight color within drop-down menus might be a tad light for some, but after extensive use I found the choice acceptable.
One issue that might bother some is the downsized nature of the updated window controls. As opposed to the large, round traffic light droplets we've become accustomed to, SIRO employs a slick set of three uniform buttons that are about the same horizontal length as the previous buttons, but with much less vertical height. I have had no problems in using the theme, but the clickable area of the window controls might confuse some users as it extends out beyond the actual buttons (meaning the click mask is larger than the visual area of the buttons). Other than that, I've not noticed anything that might reduce usability, unless you count the fact that you'll want to throw out all your dark desktop backgrounds if you mean to keep this theme.
Extras
This is the theme's weakest area, as it includes only three appskins; one for iTunes, one for Safari and another for iChat. There are no desktops, no icons, and no other assorted extras to be had. However, the three appskins included have been carried out very well. The iChat skin managed to blend the application with the rest of the system perfectly, quite the change from Aqua's insistence on a gaudy brushed metal enclosure. As for the iTunes appskin, I've mixed feelings. It looks nice, but for some reason the harsh gradation seen in other places does not work so well within iTunes, perhaps because of the use of a darker grey than that seen elsewhere. The buttons and widgets, however, are top notch. You might recognize the song controls and browse button from one of Apple's other devices: the iPod, as SIRO's iTunes appskin seems to have borrowed directly from its design.
Some believe these control buttons seem out of place. While I must concede that they do not fit within the context of the remainder of theme, they still look damn fine within the context of iTunes itself. The buttons themselves, as on the iPod, are flat and unobtrusive (if not a tad grainy), and haven't managed to distract me at all. In fact, I rather like them. The rest of the iTunes appskin, however, conforms with the predetermined aesthetic nuances of SIRO.
On a final note, I've discovered a few extras that work well with this theme. First off, Dave Brasgalla is in the midst of creating a revamped World of Aqua set, a line whose previous incarnations were excellent. The new set, entitled (of all things) World of Aqua: Rev 2, already offers improved drive and folder icons, all of which are available at The Iconfactory (search for "Brasgalla" and scroll down). Otherwise, there is always SNOW.E2 from RAD.E8 Design, which comes in an assortment of colors and looks great besides. As for desktop backgrounds, I would suggest visiting deviantART and perusing their Minimalist and/or Light wallpaper categories. You're bound to find something in there that will suit your needs.
Comments
Posted by Heiesuke at June 11, 2004 01:58 AM | Edit | Delete
I have to say that it is a highly usable theme> I for one wasn't so sure how well I would like it when I 1st saw the preview, but after using it I must say it is a Grand, straight forward theme. props to Daisuke.
Posted by wibs at June 11, 2004 02:10 AM | Edit | Delete
My first impression was that it was good, but nothing special.
Well, nowadays it and Neos are the only two themes I ever use that I didn't make myself. I guess that means I really really like Siro.
Posted by iNeusch at June 11, 2004 02:18 AM | Edit | Delete
Great theme :)
Posted by at June 11, 2004 02:20 AM | Edit | Delete
"The juxtaposition of color within the theme is such that differentiation between separate elements is retained while the fluidity and consistency is not interrupted."
The obfuscation of the postulation precipitates misperspicacity.
Sorry, that's just what pops into my head every time I see the word "juxtaposition" ;). Don't take this as me condemning the review though - seems pretty fair and well-written to me!
Posted by wibs at June 11, 2004 02:21 AM | Edit | Delete
the last post was by me... remembering info is acting up again =-\
Posted by Serg. at June 11, 2004 02:43 AM | Edit | Delete
In my opinion, the best theme out there, atm. SNOW. E2 icons and Siro go hand in hand, the perfect combination.
Posted by Andreas at June 11, 2004 03:05 AM | Edit | Delete
Definitly the best theme ever made. So useful, so pretty. I'm in love! Great work!
Posted by brian at June 11, 2004 03:07 AM | Edit | Delete
its the window widgets and menu highlights that do it for me.
Posted by danielgrenell at June 11, 2004 07:15 AM | Edit | Delete
i'd say i agree with the final score of 9.1, i'm not so sure if i like how you got there, but whatever. one thing, there is very little contrast in the menus. you open a menu, mouse over some options, you can barely see what's selected! just a thought for the next version.
Posted by kwyjibo at June 11, 2004 08:28 AM | Edit | Delete
I've been using it since the beta, and I still am.
Posted by Skinny Moo at June 11, 2004 09:50 AM | Edit | Delete
Very good theme.
I agree with this review.
Good Job!
Posted by at June 11, 2004 09:56 AM | Edit | Delete
I'd love to see another version of this theme in a dark smokey gray.
The widget highlights would really standout.
Posted by at June 11, 2004 10:24 AM | Edit | Delete
what is wrong with you people? it's just another boring, unimaginative grey/white variation. Big f'ing whoop. When we start to see more winners from the Theme-off then we can talk.
Posted by Galaxy Bounce at June 11, 2004 11:49 AM | Edit | Delete
I love the theme, its the best one I have ever used. I think it will go very well with RAD e8's upcoming desig "Minima"
Posted by Edward Husted at June 11, 2004 12:11 PM | Edit | Delete
Its ok nothing great
Posted by Jason Williams at June 11, 2004 02:45 PM | Edit | Delete
I love this theme..The light blues make this theme like a nice usable one with a little extra for beauty...great job!
Posted by CyberMonk at June 11, 2004 06:09 PM | Edit | Delete
I like juxtaposition ;)
Posted by at June 12, 2004 01:03 AM | Edit | Delete
This theme isn't that great. The blue looks really random and out of place, and the rest of it is a boring gray and white.
Posted by cube3 at June 12, 2004 12:36 PM | Edit | Delete
I think he pretty much set a new standard when he released this theme.
Posted by at June 17, 2004 02:03 PM | Edit | Delete
This is a grate theme but the title bar buttons just do not go with the rest of the theme
Posted by Fel at June 17, 2004 03:11 PM | Edit | Delete
Just got this on my PC and it's niiice. Goes well with the Excellence Collection iconset.
Posted by Henry at June 28, 2004 11:06 AM | Edit | Delete
d00d, Siro pwns j00.
Posted by Jason at June 29, 2004 05:35 PM | Edit | Delete
Siro rhymes with nero.
Posted by bjb0mb3rz at June 30, 2004 12:43 AM | Edit | Delete
Nero rhymes with Hero. :o
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This is by far my favorite theme.
At first the cyan blue annoyed me, but now it's just fine.
This is a great light theme (but not as blinding as Milk) and is definitely pleasing to the eye and very usable.
Great theme :D
Posted by danielgrenell at July 4, 2004 01:15 AM | Edit | Delete
it's such a great theme that i want to give it a 100, but even i realize that there is some room for improvement, so i'll be reasonable, 99 :D
Posted by JROCK! at July 26, 2004 10:46 AM | Edit | Delete
Great thing and very small in downloading! Great but it sets my Safari from german to english and didnt let it return!
Posted by news- at August 19, 2004 03:23 AM | Edit | Delete
Posted by Andrew Shuttleworth at September 5, 2004 11:05 AM | Edit | Delete
Well, that is by far the most entertaining spam I have ever encountered!
Posted by Richard Cabeza at September 11, 2004 01:13 PM | Edit | Delete
thanks this really agree with it
Posted by outsider at February 4, 2006 11:01 AM | Edit | Delete
zdrowa żywność, mieszkania Warszawa, ogłoszenia nieruchomości, projektowanie stron, tworzenie stron, agencja reklamowa, reklama w internecie
Posted by outsider at February 4, 2006 12:05 PM | Edit | Delete
psycholog, nauka angielskiego, soczewki kontaktowe, psyche sf, jk, ns, projektowanie wnętrz, hydraulik, opcat, domy opieki, freetimes, jidds, fabrykapoe, sfworks, polskepoeje, pb, pp, jk, wypadki, opony, agroturystyka, klimatyzacja, apteka, dentysta, fs, kray, eway, angs, gits, akupunktura, sw, sf, puz