Microsoft Cross Device Experience

Microsoft Cross Device Experience

Role

Product Designer

Category

Cross Device Platform

Client

Microsoft

Responsible for design and implementation of the "File Transfer" feature for the Phone Link app on Windows and the companion Link to Windows app on Android/IOS devices.

This feature enables users to seamlessly share files between their PC and mobile phone. By integrating drag-and-drop functionality and share sheet options, it streamlines cross-device workflows, reducing friction in everyday tasks like transferring photos, documents, or media.
Responsible for design and implementation of the "File Transfer" feature for the Phone Link app on Windows and the companion Link to Windows app on Android/IOS devices.

This feature enables users to seamlessly share files between their PC and mobile phone. By integrating drag-and-drop functionality and share sheet options, it streamlines cross-device workflows, reducing friction in everyday tasks like transferring photos, documents, or media.
Responsible for design and implementation of the "File Transfer" feature for the Phone Link app on Windows and the companion Link to Windows app on Android/IOS devices.

This feature enables users to seamlessly share files between their PC and mobile phone. By integrating drag-and-drop functionality and share sheet options, it streamlines cross-device workflows, reducing friction in everyday tasks like transferring photos, documents, or media.

Goal

Enhance user satisfaction by making device ecosystems feel more connected and intuitive, ultimately boosting productivity and retention in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Key contributions

Designing the intuitive share interfaces, ensuring accessibility compliance, and conducting user testing to refine the experience for both Android and emerging iPhone integrations. Focused on edge cases like large file transfers, network variability, and privacy controls to make the feature reliable and secure.

Challenges and Solutions

Edge cases

Handling file types and sizes across devices with varying storage and network conditions.

Solution

Implemented smart compression and error handling, with visual feedback and retry options.

Design Snippet

Ensuring seamless transfers without requiring constant screen-on states or manual approvals, which could disrupt user flow.


Designed background syncing with progress notifications, allowing transfers to complete even if the phone is locked.

Notification design for different scenarios across different platform

Landscpe design for mobile device

Impact

  • Improved Usability: Reduced navigation time by 30% (based on user testing feedback).

  • Enhanced user satisfaction: Post-launch data showed a 25% increase in daily active users for cross-device features, with positive feedback on ease of use.

  • Improved efficiency: Users reported saving time on tasks like sharing work documents or vacation photos, contributing to higher app ratings on the Google Play Store.

  • Broader ecosystem benefits: Strengthened Microsoft's position in mobile-PC integration, competing with tools like Apple's Continuity or Google's Nearby Share

  • Let's work together

  • Let's work together

  • Let's work together

  • Let's work together

  • Let's work together

  • Let's work together