Microsoft Zune
In 2007, Microsoft was preparing to launch a major upgrade to Zune, including the music player product line, the Zune.net website, and Zune Marketplace, its online music store. These new platform and product releases would introduce a new brand language as well as a host of new features.
Challenge
Microsoft was planning a new, more open "chrome-less" interface for the Marketplace and functionality to enable users to download music videos and podcasts. This required additions to the website including a feature for the customization and purchase of Zune players and a store to accessorize your Zune. Microsoft was also launching a new social network that would integrate the Zune player and Web user experience. To manage these ambitious feature enhancements under tight deadlines, Microsoft turned to Method for both strategic and design support.
Approach
To tackle these numerous updates to Zune, Method's user experience team helped Microsoft detail user interactions within the Marketplace and mapped out the shopping experience for the new Zune store. Our visual design team worked to interpret the new brand guidelines and extend them across Zune online properties. Method also explored opportunities for advertising and co-branding within the Marketplace.
Outcome
Our ability to quickly understand and interpret the core message of the new Zune brand and interpret its extension to online properties allowed the successful and on-time launch of an on-brand user experience and service offering by Microsoft.
