Microsoft Band

Tablet PC and Laptop Hardware

Released: September 20, 2016

Role: User Experience Researcher

Where: Microsoft

When: 2013-2014

Contributions:

Cognitive walkthroughs and early concept testing, Iterative usability testing, Surveys, Take-home studies, Involvement in Alpha testing efforts, Collaboration with Marketing for audience definition

Evolved from a long, secret history, the Microsoft Band was born as a product for people who are interested in their personal wellness. It's not a "smartwatch" but rather a fitness band with some useful "smart" capabilities. I spent a lot of time talking with lots of owners of other fitness bands, and it became very clear that other devices in the fitness category all seemed to be somewhat lacking. Many people told us they wanted one device that can do it all, from counting steps and calories to tracking biometric data, and even acting like a personal trainer, while also providing other useful notifications like calendar reminders and text messages. Microsoft Band brought it all together, beating the Apple Watch to market.

See an example of a usability study on the Band here!

"It strikes a nice balance between ambitious—it's very, very ambitious—and actually usable. My sense, in short, is that if you are a human on Earth, the Microsoft Band will help make you a better one. Or at the very least, fitter."

- Mario Aguilar of Gizmodo