The new Windows 7 desktop experience, including the new taskbar and Aero Snap, is both a major user experience change for Windows and an early success story. How did we go about evolving pieces of UI that haven't seen major change since 1995? Come hear about our design process and see the evolution of the design through sketches and prototypes. Find out about our challenges and learn how we used iteration, developer collaboration and design principles to increase customer satisfaction and enthusiasm.

35. ?

51. How many windows do people have open?
60%
percentage of sessions
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
0-5 6-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-39 40-49 50+
peak number of open windows

74. LESSONS LEARNED

75. Start small

76. Prototype early, in real code

77. Iterate

85. Sometimes (the taskbar
buttons with the nub) would
irritate me – sometimes when
I hit them they open the side
arrow instead

93. LESSONS LEARNED

94. Try it, in longitudinal usablity

101. LESSONS LEARNED

102. Plan for the small details

105. Desktop Experience Goals
Manage your windows with confidence
•
You can switch to the right window quickly without mistakes and effortlessly
position windows the way you want them.
You are in control
•
The desktop reflects your style. You get to personalize the experience, choosing
what is important to you, including how and when you receive notifications.
Clean and lightweight
•
The desktop experience feels organized, light, open and is a pleasure to use.
Visuals and animations are delighters the first time and every time.

106. Desktop Experience Goals
Things you use all the time are at your fingertips
•
It is easy to get to the programs and destinations you use all the time, with
less mouse movement and fewer clicks.
You are in control
•
The desktop reflects your style. You get to personalize the experience, choosing
what is important to you, including how and when you receive notifications.
Clean and lightweight
•
The desktop experience feels organized, light, open and is a pleasure to use.
Visuals and animations are delighters the first time and every time.

107. Desktop Experience Goals
Things you use all the time are at your fingertips
•
It is easy to get to the programs and destinations you use all the time, with
less mouse movement and fewer clicks.
Manage your windows with confidence
•
You can switch to the right window quickly without mistakes and effortlessly
position windows the way you want them.
Clean and lightweight
•
The desktop experience feels organized, light, open and is a pleasure to use.
Visuals and animations are delighters the first time and every time.

108. Desktop Experience Goals
Things you use all the time are at your fingertips
•
It is easy to get to the programs and destinations you use all the time, with
less mouse movement and fewer clicks.
Manage your windows with confidence
•
You can switch to the right window quickly without mistakes and effortlessly
position windows the way you want them.
You are in control
•
The desktop reflects your style. You get to personalize the experience, choosing
what is important to you, including how and when you receive notifications.

111. LESSONS LEARNED
Agree on goals and principles
•
Start small
•
Prototype, early, in real code
•
Try it, in longitudinal usability
•
Iterate
•
Plan for the small details
•

112. shoef@microsoft.com

113. Your feedback is important!

114. © 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should
not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation.
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.