Microsoft is refreshing the Start menu in Windows 11 this month with a wider layout that allows users to disable the recommended feed of files and apps. The company revealed five concept designs showcasing potential layouts and features such as a widget-like functionality and separate sections for personalized content. Feedback from over 300 Windows 11 fans influenced the redesign process, which involved extensive testing and various prototypes that pushed creative boundaries to enhance user engagement and usability.
Microsoft tested its various Start menu designs with more than 300 Windows 11 fans and even co-creation calls with select fans. "We watched eye-tracking heat maps swirl, counted scroll wheels, and listened for 'oh!'s of delight to know where we were hitting the mark," says the design team.
The focus of the new Start menu has been on being more user-friendly and providing a customizable experience, reflecting conversations with users during the design process.
Whiteboards, Figma frames, floor-to-ceiling paper prototypes-nothing was too scrappy, says the Windows design team. "We sketched out a plethora of layouts, letting ourselves go wild and discover new things before applying the editorial pen."
One includes an even more rounded menu with widget-like functionality, and a separate For You section that lists Teams meetings, YouTube videos, and recently used files.
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