How do you approach a project when the task seems overwhelming, steeped in past challenges and everyone is looking for a way out? Simple, start with a large cup of coffee...and the basics! Microsoft is known for having a lot of sub-brands with their own "character" so the challenge was finding what felt Microsoft but still gave Visual Studio its own identity. We aimed to solve the following requests:

1. Have clear segregation of products
2. Show clarity of offerings
3. Display a less cluttered user experience 

Here's an insight into the process...

How do you approach a project when the task seems overwhelming, steeped in past challenges and everyone is looking for a way out? Simple, start with a large cup of coffee...and the basics! Microsoft is known for having a lot of sub-brands with their own "character" so the challenge was finding what felt Microsoft but still gave Visual Studio its own identity. We aimed to solve the following requests:

1. Have clear segregation of products
2. Show clarity of offerings
3. Display a less cluttered user experience 

Here's an insight into the process...

The Visual Studios website was plagued by legacy changes and siloed product ownership throughout the site. Inconsistencies in visual and UX patterns made for a challenging user experience ( and not to mention a dated overall look). Illustrations, graphs, and photography were haphazard and not consistent throughout the sites pages.

The Visual Studios website was plagued by legacy changes and siloed product ownership throughout the site. Inconsistencies in visual and ux patterns made for a challenging user experience ( and not to mention a dated overall look). Illustrations, graphs, and photography were haphazard and not consistent throughout the sites pages.

Review all Microsoft category websites and competitors for similar problems solves and site patterns.

Review all Microsoft category websites and competitors for similar problems solves and site patterns.

Site asset compilation: Pull inspiration, concentrate on key pages to develop design language and overall vision.

Site asset compilation: Pull inspiration, concentrate on key pages to develop design language and overall vision.

Style guide toolkit:  Confirm font ramp, accessibility approved colors palette, image styling, and spacing rules...get ready to build modular components!

Style guide toolkit:  Confirm font ramp, accessiblity approved colors palette, image styling, and spacing rules...get ready to build modular components!

After...

After...

Outcome:

Outcomes:

• Initial testing came back positive with increased
  site activity and downloads resulting in a 22%
  increase in customer engagement.
• 
  

• Initial testing came back positive with increased site activity and downloads resulting in a 22% increase in customer engagement.
  

© 2025 David Fite • All Rights Reserved

© 2024 David Fite • All Rights Reserved