Microsoft Create

Project Journey: Like many enterprise projects, the only constant is change. Our initial task was to survey the web and compare sites like Canva and PicMonkey, along with other online graphic design platforms. With an upgraded M365 account, we hired a team of designers and illustrators to create higher-quality content aimed at boosting sales. However, we faced an immediate challenge: Microsoft’s strict style and design guidelines for internal websites. To address this, we assembled a team that included talent from outside Microsoft design.

The Project: The project encountered numerous internal issues within our team and upper management. We were often asked to create designs that we knew would be rejected by higher-level managers. Despite following the process correctly—with thorough research and multiple iterations—many excellent designs never saw the light of day.

My Role: I was responsible for creating low-fidelity layouts for PDP and the homepage. In the second round, I revised these layouts and then developed higher-fidelity versions to get feedback from PMs and the Art Director. I also worked on variations of header graphics and visual styles to incorporate into the layouts. Despite the challenges, I remained committed to producing the best possible designs and navigating the complexities of internal approvals.

Industry Benchmarking - what is everyone else doing.

Round 1: Exploring layouts with a focus on maximizing information above the fold.

Round 2: Narrowing down what might work the best - with the addition of a free site and a premium experience for M365 users.

Round 3: Enhancing fidelity and focusing on the premium experience.

Many round of revisions on these icons and tooltips and SUGGESTIONS

Round 4: HEADER EXPLORATION - based on different personas

After a lot of Isometric studies the decision was made to stay with a flat layout.

We thought we had a final file ready to hand off to Dev, but then communication went silent. The project stopped receiving updates, and both the PM and the art director left the team. The current live site uses many of our layouts, but it’s just a templated site with 3D illustrations.

https://create.microsoft.com/en-us