Windows 11 Start Menu: What Could Have Been?
The Windows 11 Start menu, while functional, has been criticized for its lack of innovation and personalization. It serves its basic purpose of launching applications and accessing system settings, but it doesn’t offer much beyond that. This begs the question: Did Microsoft ever consider more ambitious and user-centric designs for the Start menu? The answer, thankfully, is yes.
Recently, Microsoft shared a glimpse into the Start menu concepts that were explored during the development of Windows 11. These prototypes, revealed through a Microsoft Design blog post in the "Beyond the Surface" series, showcase a range of ideas that go far beyond the current, rather minimalist Start menu.
The author recalls their 2021 review of Windows 11, where the OS was deemed "unnecessary" in part due to the uninspired Start menu inherited from Windows 10X. While Microsoft has since attempted to improve the Start menu with features like categorized app views and a "phone companion" dashboard, the core experience remains largely unchanged.
The design concepts revealed by Microsoft demonstrate a focus on integrating notifications and functionalities from various areas of Windows directly into the Start menu. One concept, for instance, displayed an upcoming meeting reminder along with a suggestion to disable the out-of-office message. This proactive approach aimed to provide users with relevant information at a glance, making the Start menu a more dynamic and useful hub.
Microsoft outlined four key principles that guided the development of these Start menu concepts:
- Comprehensive App Library: The user’s entire collection of applications should be readily accessible within the Start menu.
- Personalization: The Start menu should be highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs and preferences.
- Efficiency: Every element of the Start menu should contribute to accelerating the user’s daily workflow.
- Icon Recognition: The Start menu should maintain visual consistency and utilize recognizable icons to facilitate quick navigation.
Each design concept underwent rigorous testing, involving feedback from 300 Windows 11 users. Microsoft employed eye-tracking technology, scroll wheel counts, and user interviews to gauge the effectiveness and appeal of each design. The goal was to identify designs that elicited positive reactions and improved user engagement.
One particular concept that resonated with the author was the idea of a slide-out phone dashboard, which aligns with their frequent use of the Phone Link app. However, the author also acknowledged the importance of integrating other Windows apps and services more deeply into the Start menu experience.
Several of the design concepts address this need. One concept proposes a radical redesign of the current layout, prioritizing creative and productive elements. In this design, the "recommended" apps and documents section is replaced with a focus on tools and resources that empower users to accomplish their goals. A prominent meeting reminder further emphasizes the Start menu’s potential as a central hub for managing daily tasks.
Other concepts take a more traditional approach, reminiscent of the app lists found in older versions of Windows like XP and 7. These designs feature an expandable list of applications on the left, along with shortcuts to frequently used programs at the top.
One concept closely resembles the current Windows 11 Start menu, but with a significant drawback: it consumes a large portion of the screen, potentially hindering productivity. It’s unlikely that Microsoft would find this desirable. Notably, none of the presented concepts include the ability to resize or reposition the Start menu, a feature that many users might find beneficial.
Another compelling concept strikes a balance between a traditional Start menu and a more informative one. This design prioritizes the display of applications over documents, making it easier for users to quickly launch their preferred programs.
The author emphasizes the value of a Start menu that proactively communicates information to the user, even if some of this functionality is already present in the Action Center. The ability to view upcoming meetings and instantly join them directly from the Start menu would significantly enhance user convenience.
The article also notes the inclusion of seemingly random elements like "Stranger Things" within one of the concepts, serving as a reminder that the setup process asks whether you’ll be using the PC for gaming, creative work, or in a professional sense? More customized Start layouts would be a nice approach to that.
Ultimately, none of these Start menu designs made it into the final version of Windows 11. It’s possible that Microsoft deemed them too cluttered, confusing, or simply not aligned with their overall vision for the operating system. However, these concepts offer a glimpse into the creative process and the potential for a more dynamic and user-centric Start menu.
The current Windows 11 Start menu lacks the personalization and information density of previous iterations, such as Windows 10. This has created an opportunity for third-party developers like Stardock Software, with their Start11 software, to fill the gap and provide users with more customizable and feature-rich Start menu alternatives.
The author of the article, Mark, is a seasoned technology journalist with extensive experience covering PC hardware, software, and Microsoft Windows. He highlights the importance of innovation and user-centric design in the evolution of operating systems and the potential for Microsoft to create a Start menu that truly empowers users.
