MULTI-WINDOW
Complete multiple tasks on one screen
Do users need Multitasking on Mobile or Tablet?
When using a large monitor, users will often have two applications side by side and switch attention from one to the other. How about hands-on devices? To transfer information from one app to another, users must recourse either to copy-and-paste or to storing that information into their working memory and thus increasing their cognitive load. Actually, Mobile and tablet are tools that carry out all activities in our real lives. On all hands-on devices, users perform tasks that have been performed by various devices, such as listening to music and replying mail. To this end, multi-window was created, which is used mainly by early adopters.
How about providing an optimized way for multitasking in a limited size?
My Role
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.
What I do
- Product vision & Strategy
- Conduct Research
- Defining Design Principles
- User Key Value & Scenarios
- Wireframe & Information Architect
- Visual & Interaction Design
How it all started
Although Samsung already supported multi-window functions from Galaxy Note 2, the barriers to entry for general users were high because touch interaction or function had to be turned on separately to function.
The goal of this project is to make it easier for more users to enter the feature and upgrade the design with considering feedback from existing users.
We know our users want help..
It was necessary to understand what problems already released mobile and tablet users have with multi-window usability and what additional demands they have. We conducted detailed research on the two modes of multi-window to identify this problem.
Split screen
Popup screen
Understand user Journeys
Design research designed to help users with Multi-window understand what problems they had and what additional suggestions they wanted to make. It was also to analyze their usage behavior to explore the possibilities of making it easier and more convenient for users to use by supporting certain new functions.
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.
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.
3. Added new features to suit the target user's propensity to provide users with pleasure.
According to an analysis of the user journey, most of the user's split-screen app combinations use only certain apps. 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.
Learning from our users
Home screen & Edge screen app shortcuts
Cloud information
- Cloud usage, Storage, Downloaded status, Detail settings
Synced contents
- Calendar, Contacts saved in Samsung account, Samsung Internet browser, Samsung Keyboard data
Backup and restored contents
- Calendar, Contacts saved in Device and SIM, Call logs, Home Screen Layout, Apps, Device Settings
, Messages, Files
Rebuild User Journey
Based on the design insights, we constructed the information architecture such that the overall user journey of Multi-window and the features to be added Multi-window functions.
The finished 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 / Snap window button / Location switch button / Pop-up window button / Exit button, which helps users quickly perform the next step of their choice.
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 View (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.
Guided to interaction design
Learn from the project
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.
Press & Mentions
https://www.androidcentral.com/how-use-multi-window-samsung-galaxy-s8
...Make the most out of the Galaxy S8 screen with Multi-Window mode.
https://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-get-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-8-features-on-Android-phone_id98899
...with the Note 8, Samsung one-upped this concept by introducing app pair. In a nutshell, app pair allows you to create a custom shortcut that launches two applications at the same time.
https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/review/operating-systems-software/android-7-nougat-review-3643773/
...One of the best new features of Android N is Multi-window support, even though this is something which has been available for a while on devices such as Samsung.
...The Note 8 improves multitasking with App Pairs, an easy way of pairing two apps you want to see on the display at the same time and therefore getting more done.