PDF Next for Edge browser
Giving Edge users top web content based on the PDF classified topic that add value in their PDF reading flow.
Product
Microsoft Edge
Deliverables
UX Research, UX Design, UI Design, Prototyping
Role
Product Designer
Edge PDF reader is the default PDF viewer on Windows and a trusted tool in Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Edge is a fast, secure web browser offering compatibility with both modern and legacy sites. It includes built-in productivity tools and a high-quality PDF viewer powered by Adobe’s T5 engine. The browser is regularly updated for optimal performance on desktop and mobile.
Our user studies showed that PDF readers move to web to search related articles, research papers, or more informative web pages post their reading journey. They like the idea of related content on the side in sites like Medium, Washington Post, and more; providing top recommendations would save user time and help them feel connected to the web easily on Edge
Our requirement for PDF users are to build the most productive web users on Edge and to help them explore the browser’s capabilities we want to introduce contextual features that add value in their PDF reading flow as well.
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Users like reading related content online and they shared that they look for online content based on current PDF)
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Users are open to web-based experiences in a browser – don’t view it as an intrusion
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Helps users see Edge as a one-stop destination for their Reading and Research needs
Being a part of the Edge Studio in India, I work with a team of designers crafting experiences for different Edge verticals or frameworks. We collaborate with teams globally to bring designs to life.
Edge Design Studio India
I am part of a strong 15-member design team, - defining Edge experiences for Reading, PDF & 5 more verticals on Edge; based out of Hyderabad, India
Edge Design Redmond team
Spread across India and US - my role requires me to work with various other vertical teams within Edge for envisioning & coherence.
Edge Phoenix Framework team
Phoenix team that guardrails design coherence and collaborates to maintain/enhance the Edge Design system
Based on initial discussion with product and engineering team we illustrated the goal as:
How do we leverage the coming wave of Gen-Al to amplify content, bring forth a simple, powerful and rich experience which helps user discover meaningful content on the web based on current reading
Millions of users view PDFs on Edge everyday for their reading and research needs. Currently, there is no way for them to get recommended reading based on their PDF content and context.
Research is an integral part of Edge. Whether its looking at competitors, to conducting qualitative research for insights and breakthrough, to regular usability testing.
To know user pain points or is our hypothesis do even exist. I conducted primary and secondary research.
Primary research
Usability Testing
We use UX labs and other tools to validate the designs before developing. A cycle of validation on the concept, interaction and actions is a must-do for every design changes that is pushed on Edge.
* Typically, we validate with ~100 users across the globe (based on projects)
Other research avenues
Regular research activities to get the latest insights on user flows - their behavioural patterns, their expectation and new trends
Research report share-out to focus on certain emerging trends and areas to envision new and enhanced necessary
paradigms
Customer connect sessions - where we can have a casual conversation with users and demographics relevant to our segments
To start with ideation my first goal was to think what will be the entrypoint for this feature and it must be a usual pattern from Edge browser. I derived few below concepts to kickstart the designs.
Concept 1: Using coachmark to guide and access the new feature
A coachmark to appear for one time providing contextual information to navigate through new feature.
Concept 2: A non-intrusive and contextual experience for PDF users
Entrypoint on toolbar
Keeping the entrypoint of feature to the existing toolbar
Nudge on Top right
A Nudge used as a subtle prompt or suggestion aimed at guiding users towards a recommendation feature without being intrusive.
Concept 3: Using independent Floaty button
Floaty icon button to auto-expand/collapse and side pane will be floating giving the space to look as standalone feature.
Before finalizing we follow certain reviews to go for shipping as follows:
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Internal review within Edge India design team- basic ideas exploration and critiques.
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Review with feature crew- to know more about unbiased ideas from diversified talent.
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Team review with U.S. Redmond team- critiques on explorations.
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India Go/No Go review- here the design directions are finalised.
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Design POR (Proof of Research)
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Hand-off to Dev team.
Final concept : Using dot notification to guide discoverability
An existing component to signify the new feature in the toolbar for recommendation.
Dot notification
Inline card
Favicon from URL
Bing Page
PAA/RS engine
If I had more time..
My biggest challenge was...
My biggest takeaway was...
Recommendation Engine: Clarifying whether the project is using the existing recommendation engine or if a new one is being developed. This was a point of confusion in the past
Maintaining drive and proactivity to engage and align all of my stakeholders to know more about color blind problem.
Cross-functional alignment is crucial for a successful project and successful product. The earlier you establish specific expectations and priorities, the easier the project is going to be.
