- CLIENT: Microsoft
- RDX Platform
- Conceptual Design
- User Research
- Personas & User Flows
- Information Architecture
- Heuristic Assessment
- Wireframing
- Rapid Prototyping
- User Testing
- Style Guide & Hi-Fi Comps
- Rapid Prototyping
- Front End Development
- Delivery and Integration Support
Overview
Today, customers have endless options to choose from when looking for a new device. Technology has improved exponentially over the last few years, and if the customers haven’t kept up with innovation, they’re likely to be overwhelmed by the options. The Microsoft recommends pilot will assist in providing a choice between a few excellent machines, with the consumer secure in the knowledge that they're recommended by Microsoft for Windows 10.
Problems
& Opportunities
A major issue with Windows 10 devices is that low cost & low quality machines provide a poor Windows 10 experience with consumers. In an effort to provide consumes with higher quality hardware, this pilot campaign was designed to execute a shift towards faster hardware. More memory, faster processors earn the Microsoft Recommended moniker to modern mainstream devices for consumers when considering a new pc.
The project has three specific goals, with a broad goal of testing and learning.
• Shift in perceptions from a “clunker” to a “modern” PC.
• Understand impact of “Microsoft Recommends”.
• Improve mix of modern mainstream devices sold and Incremental uplift in total unit sales in the target markets.
In an effort to learn as much as possible, to influence our campaign direction in H1 of FY19, I’ve partnered closely with CMR to learn what works, what doesn’t to improve the customer experience with Windows 10.
Roles & Responsibilities
“Microsoft Recommends” was created with the intent of simplifying the customer journey. I was brought on to develop the UX for the consumer, from ideation to developing the experience in RDX to propagate to stores nationwide. I worked with user researchers, user testing folks at with userzoom.com, and worked with the marketing team to create a pilot program with Best Buy in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Raleigh, with Cleveland as control, to execute an RDX experience that matches the digital assets customers will see online. I also partnered closely with CDS team to create custom training content in ExpertZone.
Process
& what I did
I developed low and high fidelity design comps to outline the behavior and feel of the campaign. Getting the right look to the app is crucial, and using lo fi methods to bring the design about it critical especially with early design changes.
Working with lo fi images made it possible to quickly iterate and update as results from design changes or A/B test results updated the designs. Afterwards, once designs were more solid, high fidelity prototypes were finalized.
Chad Rawlinson
Product Designer
Microsoft RDX Platform
FINAL THOUGHTS
"After completing this project, what were the Wins & Losses and conversations for moving forward with areas of improvement? Using whiteboards and bringing in the entire team to brainstorm really helped get fresh ideas and layout possibilities. Utilizing 'non-creative' minds was a huge bonus as I was able to get some fresh perspective to approaching mid range machines. Bringing in the entire team to brainstorm also led to a little bit of 'design by committee', but it was in good fun, and I found it refreshing to design on the fly and work in a dynamic environment. A very frenetic and kinetic design process was called for with this project."