Revamping an app that combines both specialized enterprise features and simpler consumer functionalities is a formidable challenge. Each small update demands meticulous attention to ensure it doesn’t introduce 'unfamiliarity' that could disrupt current workflows. This is especially crucial in high-stakes settings like hospitals, where the consequences of disruption can be significant. Despite these challenges, this process offers a valuable chance to thoroughly reevaluate and improve every facet of the user experience. Our ultimate objective is to transform user perception. We strive to create an environment where customers are excited to say, "I love using the new Outlook," rather than using it solely out of workplace obligation.
The New Outlook is set for release in Fall 2023, and it will be followed swiftly by a series of exciting updates. This rapid pace of design and development is possible because we are now operating with tenfold agility on this new platform.
NEW OUTLOOK
The new app represents a major advancement from its classic predecessor, aimed primarily at boosting the agility of the Windows application and bridging the gap between web and client versions. It embodies a substantial improvement in user experience. Our teams and processes have been meticulously crafted to support an operation that is ten times larger in scale, guaranteeing the app's relevance and efficiency for the coming decade.
Company
MICROSOFT
Role
DESIGN LEADER
As the leader of a team of designers, our focus is on creating a unified design framework that significantly improves upon the user experience offered by legacy systems. Our aim is to integrate simplicity and modern workflows into our design. This task is especially challenging due to our broad user base, spanning hundreds of millions of users across two different platforms. Many of these users are deeply ingrained in the familiarity of existing interfaces, used out of either habit or necessity. Our task is to design user experiences that are not just durable and scalable, but also user-friendly and consistent. This is crucial for customers who interact with Outlook on various devices, including work and home computers, as well as on web and mobile interfaces.
Leading a project of such scale requires dealing with complex organizational challenges. I have consistently managed to bring structure to ‘chaos’ at crucial project milestones, effectively leading the entire organization through these significant phases.