Application Design for Microsoft Surface
As we mentioned previously, Microsoft Surface is at CeBIT in Germany. Along with showcasing Surface in education, Microsoft DPE is presenting on how to develop applications for Surface with our partner UID.
Recently, we caught up with UID to talk about their experiences creating their winning application for the Touch First Contest.
Here’s what they had to say.
Surface: Can you describe the winning application from Surface Touch First Contest?
UID: The UID team created a customizable Portfolio application that showcases a company and its team, competencies, and past projects in an intuitive and innovative way using Surface. The UID Portfolio addresses key customer needs including quick and easy access to information by projects, methods, industries, and contact persons.
The gestures are easy to learn and to remember. Thus, the concept uses a list of standard gestures utilized by other multi-touch applications or devices such as rotate, drag & drop, resize, etc., but a few special gestures have also been developed for this application.
Using object recognition was also a must: The application has three possible objects, which are laid on the surface and initiate an action. One of them is the industry cube, another one is a character (symbolizing the human-being who is the center of the UI development) and the last one is a contact card used for the UID moderator.
Surface: What was the process for creating this experience? Where did you start and what did you want to accomplish?
UID: Our aim was to develop an application that combines an attractive design, clearly structured information, intuitive gestures and the novelty of object recognition. To accomplish this, we first created an interaction concept. We tried to find a simple way to represent the content on the Surface unit and to enable the user an easy access to information. Then, each element and its specific visual interaction were designed. Icons, shapes and colours were adjusted to the features of MS Surface.
To design an application for MS Surface means to consider its characteristics. For example: MS Surface has a 360 degree interface which invites users to explore the application together and discuss the topics shown. The application shouldn’t define a default orientation. Therefore, each element displayed is available from all sides of the table, and can be manipulated directly by the user.
We developed the concept and design of our application based on the user-centered design process (UCD): User requirements, scribbles and design alternatives were tested on MS Surface. Parallel with the UCD our software engineers started an agile process to be able to react flexibly to new requirements. We used Scrum as a process framework for the development of the application. A product backlog and regular meetings helped us to solve problems, plan further steps and finish the process/the programming in time. Furthermore, a close collaboration of usability engineers, software engineers, and designers is absolutely necessary. During the process of development we had to dismiss or redefine our ideas and plans several times.
Surface: How has your winning application been put into use?
UID: This application has been used at exhibitions (i.e. Internet World in Munich), at various conferences and for customer dialogues. In fact, we are currently using the UID Portfolio application ourselves to feature, enabling potential customers to get information on UID and services while having a first-hand experience in an example of the type of work we do with Surface . As we are specialized in designing, testing and developing intuitive, innovative, and attractive user interfaces, this claim is reflected in our own presentation.
Surface: What other applications / experiences would you be interested in creating on Surface?
UID: The advantages of MS Surface are particularly used in the range of knowledge management or consulting. In our opinion MS Surface can be used beyond presentation purposes. Currently, we’re exploring other possibilities and are very optimistic that we will work in others projects MS Surface and its fascinating technology.
Surface: Would you mind sharing what you will be doing at CeBIT with Surface?
UID: We are part of the Microsoft Developer Kino (Hall 4, Booth 26). Heiko Lewandowski, Head of Software Engineering at UID, will share the various unique challenges and opportunities designers and developers have when working with Surface and what it takes to create an exciting and user-friendly application.. His presentation “Challenge MS Surface – a challenge for Design and Development” gives an insight into the different stages of development and describes how decisions have been made concerning software and design. And, of course, you can experience our application in person.
We are looking forward to meeting you at the CeBIT or visit us online!
Learn about becoming a Microsoft Surface Partner on our Microsoft Surface QuickStart site.