Microsoft lead designers discuss developing for the Surface Duo
The Surface Duo’s form factor provides a unique opportunity for designers.
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What you need to know
Microsoft’sSurface Duohas a unique form factor that creates new ways for people to interact with apps. In ablog post, Jon Friedman, head of Microsoft designs, shares how designing for the Surface Duo created an opportunity to create for a new category of device.
“For a designer, such an opportunity is rare and exciting. It’s like discovering a new room in the house you’ve lived in for decades” says Friedman in the post. The dual-screen nature of the Surface Duo led Microsoft figuring out how to best take advantage of the larger and more versatile space.
The bulk of the post is a question and answer session between Friedman and Deepak Menon. Menon leads the design team for the Office app.
Menon explains in one response that to him, the Surface Duo “Isn’t just the “smartphone experience” with two screens. It’s not just a “folded tablet.” It’s something new, with experiences that are made possible because of the seam, not in spite of it.”
Menon also goes over how the increased screen real estate of the Surface Duo allows people to be more productive and more creative. He also covers how Microsoft views the seam between the Duo’s screens “as an opportunity, not a constraint” because it reduces people’s cognitive burden.
You can read through all of Friedman and Deepak’s interview to gain greater insight into the development of the Surface Duo.
Two screens are better than one.
Microsoft delves into the future of foldables with an ambitious dual-screen device, featuring two ultra-thin 5.6-inch AMOLED displays bound by a 360-degree hinge. This pocketable inking-enabled Android smartphone marks the latest in the Surface lineup, geared for mobile productivity.
Microsoft Surface Duo
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
