Microsoft Social Desktop Widget

July 2008 – Keywords: Web, Operating System

We strategized and created new tools that could be integrated natively within the Windows 7 operating system that would enable users to create their own functional social networks on their desktops.

Prior to starting Variate Labs, Miles worked as a senior user experience designer at Schematic Inc. in Los Angeles. Miles designed the user experience for the Microsoft Social Desktop Widget pitch to be integrated within the new Windows 7 operating system. This social networking widget would allow different Windows users to share content on their desktop and socialize with other Windows 7 users. This widget was meant to live in the background of their entire OS experience and be integrated with various Microsoft software packages. Individual users could create and manage their own social networks.

Social Platform Embedded in the Desktop

The core idea behind this project was that users would be able to share content with other Windows 7 users from anywhere in the Windows 7 operating system. A visual representation of their social network would exist on the desktop of the os and would be accessible at any time. The default state of the widget would exist in a minimized state and show only the latest alerts, messages and content. At any time a user could select the minimized graphic to expand the widget to view more more content and functionality (shown above).

Expandable Modules

At any time a user can select individual content modules to visualize content and content relationships in more detail. A visual breadcrumb is shown.

Group Content

Because the social network is built into the native operating system individual users can contribute and share content in group modules. In this example multiple users are sharing photos and videos from the same concert. Users can explore and view shared content.

Web Integration

Special plugins for individual browsers would enable users to also snip and share web content with each other. Additional functionality in the operating system would enable users to take pictures of website and share this content with each other.

Skinnable Interface

Users would also have the option to select different skins to show the same social platform in a more personalized visual way. This screen shows the same functionality as above in a more Instant Messenger list-type way.