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MULTI-WINDOW
MULTI-WINDOW
DEVICE
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Galaxy S8, S9 / Note 8, 9
Tablet A
Galaxy View
ROLE​
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PROJECT LEAD
CONDUCT RESEARCH
USER KEY VALUE & SCENARIOS
TEAM
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DESIGNERS (UX, UI, PROTOTYPING)
PRODUCT MANAGER
DEVELOPERS (H/W, S/W)
OVERVIEW
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Multi-window lets users easily complete multiple tasks on one screen. For example, users can take notes while watching a video, or search the web and check your email messages simultaneously.
As a lead designer, I was responsible for in-depth analysis and research on whether there was a function that could give more value to users and whether there was no problem with existing usability. It is a function that needs to be reviewed for OS and framework functions, so I constantly communicated with Google representatives about new ideas.
PROBLEM​
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How might we design new features using Multi-window?
Already, the Samsung Multi-window feature was widely used by advanced users. The next version of Multi-window needs to provide users with new features using this feature to provide a more diverse user experience.
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How to provide a more seamless user experience?
We need to think about creating a seamless user scenario from Task Manager, which is the starting point for Multi-window, to launching Multi-window. Also, Tablet device needs to think about the direction to provide a specialized tablet design while following the same design direction.
PROJECT INSIGHTS
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The goal is to increase the experience of use by adding new features while making existing functions more convenient and easy to use for users. We explored different solutions and sketched out the user flows. Then we discussed and decided the most feasible solution for this new feature.
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1. Match the visual with the flow.
Many users are unaware that the multi-window feature is a function associated with the Task Manager. To help them understand, we need to provide a seamless flow that connects visually and naturally. We brought the screen of Task Manager and made the users experience a connected flow.
Upgrade visual user experience
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2. Window control handler makes the user annoyed visually.
Instead of a circle that interferes with the user visually, the window controller launch button is changed to a thin bar type to make it more visually complete. Flat bar adds an interactive design that allows user interaction to be thickened and comfortable to touch.
Upgrade Window control bar
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3. Added new features to suit the target user's propensity to provide users with pleasure.
Designing a new feature within Multi-window user experience required us to brainstorm not only the design but how we would introduce this new flow to users. The solution for pre-defined shortcuts is that we added them to the home screen and the Edge feature that can quickly launch, providing various paths for users to use the feature more easily.
Add new features
Homescreen
EDGE
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
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FINAL DESIGN
Modified Handler design and interaction.
Handler designs are designed with the flat line to avoid obstructing the screen view so that the desired button appears only when the user has action. When the user taps the handler area, the in-handler button appears. The buttons are Add shortcuts to Home screen / Capture button / Location switch button / Pop-up window button / Exit button, which helps users quickly perform the next step of their choice. When you want to shut down a multi-window, you can quickly exit through the X button that appears when you push the handler bar up.
APP Pair
Separately opening apps you always use together is annoying. Instead of flipping back and forth, create an App Pair, so those two apps will open simultaneously in split-screen. The shortcuts are easy to use in addition to edge screens and home screens.
Galaxy Veiw (18.4" Portabel TV & Tablet)
Developed the new device by defining a new user segment and launched in U. S. market.
NEW LAYOUT FOR TABLET
For the big screen, the access point for Multi-window is redesigned as the horizontal card layouts.
REFLECTION
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Multi-Window feature has been available on Galaxy devices since the Galaxy Note 2, released in late 2012, was able to watch videos without interruption through Pop-up Play.
And since then, Multi-window functionality has been continually evolving since its launch, and user feedback on it is playing an essential role in finding and developing improvements. Primarily, this function is a unique function for heavy users, and it has gradually improved usability by understanding their usage behavior and use scenarios. With support for multi-window functionality on the Android platform starting with Android 7.0 OS, the company has been working closely with Google more closely than ever before to focus on enhancing multi-window usability.