After years of innovative research and development of their Worldwide Telescope, but with limited user adoption, Microsoft Research project leaders were under pressure to prove marketplace interest by demonstrating a significant increase in user adoption of the application. In fact, demonstrating such increases was critical—subsequent project funding and expansion depended on it.

Our contextual inquiry showed a clear root problem—users were confused by the current Worldwide Telescope web site and client download. Produxs felt the existing visual design was strong, and focused on developing new UX for the Worldwide Telescope web site, introducing new functionality, and providing a scalable solution on which Microsoft Research can grow for years to come. Our work focused heavily on messaging and integration of social networking to drive grassroots product awareness, enabling Microsoft to put consumer enthusiasm to work for them as passionate users evangelized the Worldwide Telescope on their behalf.

We also redesigned UX for the Worldwide Telescope client-download process, eliminating confusion and seamlessly integrating new, Silverlight-powered product tours for Mac users in the process.

Introduction of organic sharing of the product helped to drive awareness and subsequently downloads. Our scalable interface enabled Microsoft Research, post-delivery from Produxs, to seamlessly integrate promotions—"on the fly"—such as the Pixar Wall-E Tour.

• Concepting
• Content Architecture
• Wireframes

• Interaction Mapping