I think the author is making a flawed argument. OS widgets and the use of Bootstrap across the web are very different.
OS widgets provide a user familiar with those elements hints and clues about how to use a program. A menu is a menu is a menu no matter the application. Bootstrap provides a very similar framework.
The problem is that we don't interact with public facing websites in the same way we interact with websites in the same way as desktop applications. The level of complexity tends to be very different and design is far more important for a website.
I can understand using Bootstrap for an admin interface; it provides that same recognizable framework for a user. For a public facing website, however, I think using Bootstrap is almost abhorrent. Whenever I see that very distinct black navigation bar across the top I have an urge to leave a website.
I understand that you can of course modify Bootstrap but to be honest I think the design choices are simply wrong for most sites. Bootstrap is great for web applications but for a blog... seriously?
Anyway, enough ranting. I actually really like Bootstrap and I'm using it currently but I know I would not use it for my own personal blog or public facing site.
I think it should be more important. That is not to say that it should not also be functional but within that very loose boundary there should be plenty of room for wide varieties of design.
I would disagree and say the author is making a very sound argument. The web is becoming more like an application and so it makes a lot of sense to have a standardized UI, for all the reasons you mention.
OS widgets provide a user familiar with those elements hints and clues about how to use a program. A menu is a menu is a menu no matter the application. Bootstrap provides a very similar framework.
The problem is that we don't interact with public facing websites in the same way we interact with websites in the same way as desktop applications. The level of complexity tends to be very different and design is far more important for a website.
I can understand using Bootstrap for an admin interface; it provides that same recognizable framework for a user. For a public facing website, however, I think using Bootstrap is almost abhorrent. Whenever I see that very distinct black navigation bar across the top I have an urge to leave a website.
I understand that you can of course modify Bootstrap but to be honest I think the design choices are simply wrong for most sites. Bootstrap is great for web applications but for a blog... seriously?
Anyway, enough ranting. I actually really like Bootstrap and I'm using it currently but I know I would not use it for my own personal blog or public facing site.