Microsoft Edge Browser
Overview
This was a personal project/ exercise started from a place of curiosity. Microsoft Edge was launched in 2015, as of June 2024 it currently holds 13.36% of the global desktop browser market, far behind Google Chrome's 64.72%.
After research I discovered Edge has struggled to compete because its default homepage offers excessive features that have proved to be pain points for users across the globe. This led me to redesign Edge's interface to offer a better user experience while maintaining its unique news and discover features.
Graph Source: Browser Stack
Below: MS Edge Homepage Redesign
Standout User Interview:
Suzie is a Microsoft surface owner in Kampala, Uganda with limited internet access. She prefers to use chrome because the automatic feed on Edge takes up a lot of her data making browsing difficult. Upon testing she was unaware of how to minimize MS feed.
User Need
"As a user, I want a simplified homepage that gives me control over my browsing."
Above: current default browser page
Solution:
- Simplified browsing experience
- Microsoft start menu bar for users to willingly explore edge feed / various categories
- Visible view/hide feed toggle to hide and display news feed.
Part 2 - MSN Gaming Page Redesign
Overview
One of the distinct features of Edge is it's gaming page for users. As it stands, the gaming tab is difficult to browse due to ads mixing with news articles, blog posts and game offerings. There needs to be more hierarchy to create ease browsing for users.
Problem Statement
As a user I struggle to easily filter and navigate through game options, news, blogs and ads on the platform.
User Needs:
- Easy game catalog browsing
-News and game differentiation
-Ease navigating between discover categoties
Below: current MSN Start gaming page and navigation menu
Solution:
Dedicated rows for each category.
Use room on the left to create an easily accessible navigation menu
Below: MSN Start gaming redesign
Project Outcomes
Before completing the redesign, 10 participants who prefer Chrome were asked if they would be willing to use Edge in its current state. 20% expressed a high likely hood of using edge with its current interface. When tested with the same users, 70% indicated they would be highly likely to use Edge if the interface was updated to this redesigned version.