Microsoft recently redesigned its Office apps for mobile devices, including Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Office apps were redesigned using the Fluent Design System, Microsoft stated that the system will enable users to increase their productivity on mobile devices.
Some of the design changes include a new layout for app icons, splash screens and more. One of the most notable aspects of the update is the ‘Play My Email’ feature, which is able to read a user's emails out loud to them. Additionally, Microsoft included similar functions for Word and other apps.
The company also worked to have all of the apps compliment each other. Microsoft spoke about the increased integration, “When mobile apps seamlessly connect and feel similar, it reduces cognitive burden by eliminating the need to re-learn app patterns and navigation.”
Image Credit: Microsoft
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Productivity on Mobile Devices
- Microsoft's Fluent Design System can enable users to increase productivity on mobile devices.
- Integrated Mobile Apps
- Microsoft's redesign of its Office apps for mobile devices focused on integration to reduce cognitive burden.
- Voice-activated Applications
- Microsoft's 'Play My Email' feature is an example of the trend of voice-activated applications becoming more integrated in business productivity tools.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Technology
- Microsoft's redesigned Office apps offer opportunities for technology companies to improve their mobile app designs.
- Business Software
- The trend of integrated mobile apps in Microsoft's Office suite offers disruptive innovation opportunities for businesses in the software industry.
- Productivity Tools
- The development of Voice-activated applications and the integration of Microsoft's Office apps provides opportunities for productivity tool companies to incorporate new innovations.
