On the other hand I found it instantly more productive, even right after it was introduced. No longer did I have to remember which menu an option was in. It was all right there.
It's not all right there - some things are under another ribbon tab, which doesn't seem all that different from putting things in a collection of menus. (Except that visually it's now a jumbled mess instead of a clean and easy-to-scan linear list.)
> Except that visually it's now a jumbled mess instead of a clean and easy-to-scan linear list
I think I find the "jumbled mess" easier to scan because my memory is visual, and the items are visually distinct. On the other hand, with a list I actually have to read every item.
Not sure why this got downvoted — a personal anecdote as a reply to personal anecdote.
On the subject — I’ve learned the “classic” office but really like the ribbon. I’m not a power user though — just a doc or a spreadsheet every now and then.
Or, perhaps they are just used to a lower level of productivity? I've had 13 years to adapt, and I still find it frustrating.