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Cortana explains her value to users who have upgraded existing PCs to Windows 10 by showcasing features and helpful interactions. Animations move as the user scrolls, aimed at enticing even the most skeptical users.
Cortana Out of Box Experience
Design problem
With streamlining changes I had worked on fo the Windows 10 upgrade experience, Cortana would now need to introduce herself in context, rather than relying on the system OOBE to gather permissions. How can we provide a fast setup experience for users who want to use Cortana, and entice those who aren't sure yet?
Role
Full design ownership. Direction and management of visuals and animations
Results
Opt-in rates were better than expected before implementation and the designs for this experience continuiously evolve and are adapted for iOS and Android experiences.
Cortana first introduces herself with a familiar smile from the earlier Windows Phone version. Some adjustments to the flow are made for specific markets, for instance in Japan, Cortana bows.
Legal opt-in page for Cortana's set up experience. As the user's accent color and theme adjust, so does their personal assistant, driving familiarity by design.
Design worked very closely with engineering on this project to meet deadlines. In this example, a skeleton of where UI would fall was given to developers to begin early coding while animations, final graphics and content were still in flux. The abiligy to provide a framework early helped design deliver the right solution without delaying engineering.
Early sketches of the Cortana Setup Flow - From animations to scrolling behavior
Setting up Cortana also includes the screens in which Cortana learns the user's name. Removed from a mandatory flow, users can now adjust Cortana's pronunciation of their name quickly and voluntarily.
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