Windows 8 Setup

Microsoft Corporation

2010

UX & Visual Design

Challenge

Simplify the experience of upgrading a Windows PC, which, in prior releases, spanned 4 separate experiences and required nearly 75 steps, to increase user success and satisfaction.

Solution

Storyboard, prototype, and iterate solutions that combine all the necessary steps to upgrade a Windows PC into one, step-by-step process. Extra time was spent in usability labs to ensure we perfected the flow and captured users' reactions and feedback.

Result

In addition to users succeeding in Setup tasks during three usability studies, when asked to reflect on their experience, participants consistently under-estimated how many steps they believed the process required. Several novice users even increased their self-rated technical competence as a result.

Design Playbooks I co-created to teach and lead ideation

Storyboard example, used to begin solving the experience