I joined Skype as the lead designer for Skype’s Android client from version 2.5 - 5.x.

As Skype's lead Android designer, I collaborated with the iOS and Windows Phone leads to unify Skype’s mobile experiences. Initially solo, I led the redesign, later adding two designers and one researcher to the team.

Objective

We aimed to enhance asynchronous chat, introduce a more robust tablet UI, and step toward consistency across platforms.

What I did

• Leveraged user research from Skype and Microsoft Messenger to understand issues with integrating Messenger contacts into Skype

• Audited the chat experiences across several competitors, including Microsoft to identify key attributes that make up a great conversation view

• Leveraged the Microsoft Modern Design style as a base design strategy and adapt to platforms as needed

• Designed wireframes, flow diagrams, specifications, content, and prototypes

• Integrated file transfer, SMS, and Messenger contacts into the chat experience

• Designed the tablet UI while respecting Android patterns and Skype’s brand guidelines

• Engaged in user testing to validate or invalidate the designs

• Collaborated closely with product and engineering to implement a high quality experience

• Engaged an A/B testing group of over 1,000 external users to help evaluate new features and iterations of the UI

Result

• Engagement soared across the phone and tablet UI

• Google Play rating improved dramatically

• Navigation errors decreased

• The design was coherent with Skype’s other products leveraging both Microsofts Modern design system and Skype's brand

• A successful unified experience emerged across Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Mac, and Windows

See below for examples of the UI and design specifications, or go to a detailed case study (password required).