Windows Vista for Tablet PCs

I designed features in Windows Vista for pen-based computing on Tablet PCs. Features include flick gestures, pen-specific cursor behaviors, and check boxes to select discontinuous files.

We added check boxes to Windows Explorer to make it easier to select items that aren't next to each other. I created a detailed interaction model for the behavior and visual affordances of these check boxes that minimized visual clutter while maximizing ease of use, discoverability, and understanding of how to select the check boxes. This is a huge improvement for people using a pen as a pointing device on a Tablet PC.

People using Tablet PCs in slate mode (without a keyboard) often miss using keyboard shortcuts. Pen flicks are quick, short gestures in each of the 8 cardinal directions. Each direction corresponds to an action: such as Drag Up, Drag Down, Back, Forward, Copy, Paste, Undo, and Delete. Working closely with the product team, I created the interaction behaviors, discovery and training model, and customization interface for the flick gestures.

We created new, pen-only cursors for Windows Vista to give better user feedback, improve the learning curve for pen use, increase the discoverability of right-click by using the pen button, and create a signature experience for Tablet PCs. I created behavior specifications and draft visuals for each cursor state, including new states in Windows. The final visuals were created by a visual designer on the design team.