Microsoft Laptop Scout
Selection Made Simple
Given all the technobabble, acronyms, and the increasing evolutionary speed of technology, selecting the right laptop at the right price can be a confusing and daunting task.
Fittingly, with each OEM claiming superiority, it was actually Microsoft who was in perfect place to help provide clarity and comfort in the selection process. The Laptop Scout site was created and dedicated to helping consumers research and compare the best machines on the market by providing real language definitions and understanding regarding the most common buying basics (usage, price, weight, speed, storage, screen size, etc.), enabling personalization within the criteria set, access to real reviews, and an easy way to share your find with friends and family.
Conceptual Research
Early conceptual models were developed and taken through consumer research, to ensure that we started off on the right foot. The “Attributes” (sliders) and “Natural Language” (open text field) concepts showed the most potential. While a number of participants expressed skepticism about a recommendation coming from MSFT, many acknowledged that it may help build goodwill toward the company if such a tool took a ‘fair and balanced’ approach to getting information to the consumer.
Look/Feel Studies
With a conceptual model identified (Attributes – sliders), we began exploring style, structure, and lightweight brand expression.
Wireframes
Another round of consumer research and client feedback led to the development of a full wire exploration. These went through many iterations and extensions implementing findings and feedback as the project progressed.
Core Design
Elevating the right products based on interaction with the buying basics (usage, price, weight, speed, storage, screen size, etc.), ensured personalization within the recommendation set.
Subpages
Concise yet informative PDPs provided access to specs, SKU options, real reviews, an easy way to compare like models, and the ability to find retail partners.
Buying Basics
Real language definitions and intuitive contextual illustrations enable a greater understanding of the most common buying basics (usage, price, weight, speed, storage, screen size, etc.), build a sense of consumer confidence during laptop selection process, and lead to more efficient sales.
Wishlist
The Wishlist feature created an easy way to share your find with friends and family.
Production Handoff
As expected, a full production pass across all unique pages/structures (images and specs) was documented to aid in the development effort.
