A few days ago, Microsoft unveiled a revamped Start Menu for Windows 11, which Windows Insiders will be able to test very soon. Now the company has shared details about the Windows Design team's creative journey and the specific improvements they implemented.

The Road to a New Design

1. Exploration. In the initial phase, the team gave free rein to creativity. Sketches were created in Figma, on whiteboards, and even on paper. Numerous mockups were produced, including some with highly unconventional ideas. Then came the process of selecting the strongest concepts.
2. Validation. Over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts participated in research studies, while dozens more joined co-creation sessions with developers. To identify the most effective solutions, the team analyzed heatmaps, eye-tracking data, mouse wheel scrolling patterns, and users' emotional responses.
3. Refinement. Based on collected data and user feedback, these key enhancements were made:
   1. App Display. The "All Apps" list is now elevated to the top level of the Start Menu with three viewing options: categorized, grid, or traditional A-Z list.
   2. Smart Recommendations. The Start Menu now offers personalized, real-time file and app suggestions. Users can also completely remove the "Recommended" section if preferred.
   3. Customization. Users retain the ability to toggle between "More Pins", "More Recommendations", and "Default" layouts for their preferred Start Menu arrangement.
   4. Mobile Integration. A new "Phone Link" sidebar slides out from the right side of the Start Menu, providing quick access to content from connected smartphones. The panel can be instantly hidden with a single click when not needed.

Microsoft emphasizes that the updated Start Menu underwent extensive testing across a wide range of devices—from the compact Surface Go to workstations with 49-inch ultrawide monitors.

You can also explore these Start Menu prototypes created by the Windows Design team during their research phase:

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