Microsoft reveals its rejected Start menu redesigns
1 min read
Summary
In a recent blog post, Microsoft has shared its design process for the new Start menu in Windows 11, revealing five concept designs that were considered.
The concepts included a Start menu with more rounded corners and widget-like functionality, and another that separated the For You section to list Teams meetings, YouTube videos, and recent files.
Another concept placed the For You section to the side to allow the main menu to focus on app categories.
A prototype imagined the Start menu as a landing page with shortcuts, apps, files, and separate sections to access an Android phone, personalised app lists, and creation tools.
One concept made the Start menu occupy the entire screen, with a vertical design and scrollable sections.
Microsoft tested the different designs with over 300 Windows 11 fans and through co-creation calls.
The new design meets the criteria of easy access to apps, customisability, speed, and not significantly changing the Start menu to respect user muscle memory.
It will soon be tested with Windows Insiders, with a view to a wider release in the coming months.