As your users begin taking their first wobbly steps through the new Office 2007 interface, you’re likely to hear a fair amount of grumbling. Probably something along the lines of, “Where’d they PUT it?” (Or maybe I’m just projecting.)

Is this just the usual angst that comes with the new-feature-set territory — or do users have a legitimate beef about the upended interface?

TechRepublic contributor Justin James supports the design decisions. In his article “Word 2007: Lessons on usability,” he analyzes the major interface changes and the rationale that underlies them. Having weathered the acclimation period, he says his efficiency and productivity have gone up dramatically, and he thinks the new version of Word does a good job of helping guide users toward accomplishing their tasks.

Not surprisingly, the related discussion has brought out a few dissenters. Who do you believe?