The primary role of an operating system is to manage key system resources, such as memory, processors, input/output devices, and storage. While optimizing for performance and reliability is essential, it’s equally important to design with user goals in mind. That’s why I contributed to the design of Microsoft’s core operating systems, spanning both Windows and Linux-based platforms, with a focus on aligning system behavior with real user needs.
Designing for critical moments
My goal is to define what great user experiences look like, grounded in a deep understanding of users, their roles, and the tasks they perform. For instance, during the widespread IT outages linked to CrowdStrike in 2024, many system administrators faced catastrophic boot failures. In such high-stakes moments, their priorities shift: rather than preferring gradual, controlled patch rollouts, they want systems to recover automatically with minimal manual effort.
A well-designed boot recovery experience should reflect that urgency. That’s why our solution enables the operating system to diagnose issues and search for fixes autonomously, while clearly communicating progress to the user. This approach not only reduces downtime but also helps users avoid the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death.”
Designing for the unspoken needs
In operating systems, many user needs are implicit. Take battery life, for example, most users don’t actively manage it. They typically customize their device settings during the first week and rarely revisit them. What they truly value is an OS where apps and devices simply work, without constant tweaking.
With that in mind, I approached the design of a new energy saver feature by focusing on simplicity and minimal decision-making. The goal was to extend battery life without compromising performance. This led to several key design decisions:
- A redesigned battery icon for clearer, more intuitive battery level readings
- A repurposed quick settings menu that enables always-on energy saver mode with a single tap
- Smarter default power settings that prioritize energy efficiency
To ensure a seamless experience, the system also automatically disables energy saver mode during high-performance tasks like gaming. So users get power savings when they need them, and performance when it matters.
By designing for both explicit and implicit user tasks, I helped improve operating system recovery rates and battery life across more than one billion devices. These changes not only reduced recovery time and scope 3 CO₂ emissions, but most importantly enhanced the overall user experience for everyone.