Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
MICROSOFT DUO INCUBATION TEAM
Crafted the Vision for the next generation of mobile devices as consumers needs evolved and relied more on their devices.
My extreme gratitude goes out to our leader, Mike Kruzeniski for being a great mentor during this project, helping me sharpen my UX chops as I made the formal shift from Art/Creative Direction into a traditional Product Design role.
ID Validation | Incubation Team | Innovation Executive Buy-in
OVERVIEW
[01] Objective
Validated and delivered an experience overview for a new form factor that aligns with emerging trends in increased content consumption and multitasking – Dual Screen Device. Leverage research insights to inform the design process, focusing on Information Architecture, Interaction Design, and User Interface Design to create a seamless and intuitive user experience that meets evolving user needs.
Skunkworks Team | Form Factor Validation | Business Cases
[02] Strategy & Approach
Created detailed personas for the primary users of a dual-screen multitasking device, focusing on their needs, goals, and behaviors. Develop an experience strategy that aligns with the Microsoft ecosystem, showcasing seamless integration across products like Office 365, Teams, and OneDrive. Illustrate how this integration enhances productivity and collaboration on a foldable device.
User Goals | Core Business Integration | Prototype
[03] Challenges
Balanced innovation with feasibility amid technological constraints, like screen gaps or unrefined/unknown hardware. The project required dreaming big but staying grounded in what was possible within the technological landscape of the time.
New Paradigms | Uncharted technology | Operating System
EXPERIENCES DESIGNED
[01] Device Paradigms
Designed a core navigation for a dual-screen phone requires balancing flexibility with simplicity to optimize the unique form factor. Key considerations include enabling fluid transitions between screens, offering contextual controls for each display, and ensuring a consistent user experience regardless of orientation or app layout. By prioritizing clarity and adaptability, the core navigation empowers users to take full advantage of the device's dual-screen capabilities without overwhelming them.
[02] Gaming – X-Box (Madden & Forza)
Designed an Xbox-inspired experience for a dual-screen device enhances immersion by splitting gameplay and controls. One screen displays core action—like football plays or Forza racing—while the other handles strategies, maps, or stats. This setup keeps the main screen clear and interactive, showcasing the dual screen's potential for richer gaming experiences.
[03] Productivity & Travel
Created Dual-screen mock experiences, like travel apps, MS Office, and gaming, showcase the device’s versatility and align with core business goals. Travel apps enhance trip planning with side-by-side maps and itineraries, MS Office boosts productivity with multitasking, and gaming offers immersive split controls. These features drive adoption and highlight the brand's focus on innovation and user satisfaction.
CONCEPT VIDEO
Microsoft Duo (Project Kestrel) – Concept Video
LAUCH VIDEO
Microsoft Duo – Launch Video
RESULTS & FINDINGS
Key findings a views based on the learnings of this project.
The dual-screen device redefines user interaction, delivering a breakthrough experience that elevates gaming and productivity while proving the viability of this innovative form factor. By enabling seamless multitasking and immersive engagement, it allows users to switch effortlessly between tasks, increasing efficiency and comfort with enhanced ergonomics.
For gaming, the device integrates seamlessly with Xbox, transforming the experience with real-time stats, secondary controls, and immersive tools like car tuning in Forza Racing. This dual-screen approach not only heightens gameplay but also drives engagement and revenue, cementing its value as the future of gaming.
On the productivity side, users can research in Bing Travel while building PowerPoint presentations on the second screen, with cloud sync ensuring uninterrupted workflows. Features like intuitive gestures, app pairings, and adaptive screen transitions make multitasking effortless and professional use more productive.
A high-impact vision video secured executive buy-in by showcasing the device’s versatility. It highlighted emotional gaming moments, seamless work transitions, and strategic market differentiation, positioning the dual-screen device as a groundbreaking tool for both entertainment and productivity.
Dual-screen devices offer significant advantages, transforming productivity, creativity, and entertainment. They enable seamless multitasking by running multiple apps side by side, ideal for comparing documents, taking notes during meetings, or browsing while messaging. With added screen real estate, users can edit content, reference materials, or manage tools more efficiently, enhancing workflows for professionals and creatives.
Flexible configurations allow for extended, mirrored, or independent displays, catering to diverse needs. These devices also boost collaboration by facilitating real-time content sharing and co-creation. Beyond work, they elevate gaming and entertainment experiences, with one screen for action and the other for controls or chats. Compact and portable, dual screens deliver the benefits of a larger workspace while aligning with future-ready ecosystems for seamless integration with advanced software and cloud services.
The biggest challenges in designing a dual-screen device a decade ahead of its time centered on redefining user interactions and adapting to technological limitations. Creating intuitive paradigms for split-screen navigation, multitasking, and expanded keyboards required breaking away from traditional mobile conventions.
The Team had to anticipate the evolution of mobile devices from communication tools to versatile hubs for productivity and content consumption, prioritizing features that would resonate with future users. Balancing ambitious innovation with practical constraints was critical, as hardware limitations like potential screen gaps and underdeveloped display technology threatened usability. The team needed to push boundaries while ensuring the device remained feasible for manufacturing and adoption within the existing technological landscape.
Folding devices are better for multitasking, productivity, and immersive content consumption due to their larger, tablet-like screen when unfolded. This expanded display allows users to run multiple apps side by side, make the most of digital workflows, and enjoy a more engaging viewing experience for gaming, reading, or watching videos. Folding devices offer greater versatility, transitioning between compact and expansive modes, making them suitable for both portability and immersive tasks. Their design caters to users seeking a balance between flexibility and convenience, making them ideal for modern work and entertainment needs.
Mike, You Are Missed.
Grateful for all you brought to the design world.
[+] CASE STUDIES
