There was a buzz word / practice in the world of UI Design and Experience that appeared a few years ago, when mobile started to be the new device to consider for Web sites and Web Apps and that was “Mobile First”. That means obviously, Web Sites and Web Apps are designed to have a good experience on small mobile devices first and then if placed on bigger ones (Laptop, PC browsers), they are still functional…
Other than catering for the small devices first, this would save a lot of money on UI design and implementation as well as update and maintenance among other factors…
I believe the UI strategy in MSFS is “XBox First” and it appears not only in the UI but in the usability flows that I believe are adapted to game pads rather than a mouse…
Yes, as someone who works in this domain I would have convinced the stakeholders and put a strategy to have 2 UIs, that can be switchable from the menu… This one and a more Windows PC like UI (perhaps similar to the Dev Mode components)…
I believe with a Win / PC UI + disabling by default all assistance stuff / in-sim toolbar + transition screens etc. MSFS would have been able to have a more “serious simmer” aspect / experience…
Cheers