Windows 365 Cloud Apps
A virtual app delivery solution for IT administrators
Overview
Designed a seamless virtual app delivery experience integrated into Windows 365, enabling IT administrators to efficiently provision and manage cloud apps for shift workers and contractors. This solution addresses a critical product gap while enabling Windows 365 to deliver virtual apps on demand, unlocking 120K new seats by migrating existing VDI customers.
The Challenge
IT admins faced significant challenges with existing virtual app solutions: high learning curves, forced use of multiple separate solutions for desktops and apps, and the overhead of managing full desktops when only a few apps were needed. The goal was to leverage Windows 365 to provide a seamless and integrated virtual app delivery experience while working within constraints: no changes to Windows 365 existing capabilities, no control over Intune app model, and balancing urgent requirements with long-term strategic goals.
Design Process
Discovery and Multi-Year Strategy
Worked with PMs and engineers through weekly syncs and customer calls. Established multi-year roadmap.
Design Principles
Defined three core principles with stakeholders: Seamless Integration, Consistency, and Simplicity.
Initial Designs and Research
Collaborated with cross-product designers and UX researchers. Conducted design critiques to validate concepts.
Iterations
Ran stakeholder workshops and critiques with PMs and design partners. Refined management flows.
Final Research and Design Hand-off
Validated with UX researchers and developers. Proposed visual refresh using Fluent Web library.
The Solution
A streamlined Cloud Apps experience within Windows 365 that simplifies app provisioning and management. Key features include simplified app selection from existing Intune apps, unified provisioning policy creation, and a modernized UI built on Fluent Web design library. The solution integrates seamlessly into the existing Windows 365 admin experience.
Design Evolution
Setup - Step 1 | Introduce Cloud App configuration option in existing workflow
Insights from UXR
- •What worked well: Concept and order of fields
- •Recommendation: Clarify content
Design Update
- ✓Clear content through content reviews
Access | Assignment of Cloud Apps to user groups - Exploration
Insights from UXR
- •Explored three workflows: One app → One user group, All apps → One user group, Two tier approach
Access | Workshop with stakeholders to analyze workflows
Insights from UXR
- •Conducted workshops to evaluate different workflow approaches
- •Analyzed pros and cons of each option with stakeholder input
Access | Assignment of Cloud Apps to user groups - Final Design
Insights from UXR
- •What worked well: All apps → One user group
- •What worked well: Users liked the option to adopt existing workflow
Design Update
- ✓Integrated with the existing setup
- ✓No change required in existing flow
Manage | Entry point for list of Cloud Apps - Exploration
Insights from UXR
- •Explored multiple navigation entry points
- •Evaluated different information hierarchies
Manage | Entry point for list of Cloud Apps - Final Design
Insights from UXR
- •No clear result: 50-50 split between entry point of Cloud Apps
- •Recommendation: Add more columns
Design Update
- ✓Customized Intune data grid
- ✓Content review for additional columns
Manage | Key action and statuses
Design Update
- ✓Publish as an extra step
- ✓Some columns were technically not feasible to implement
Outcomes & Impact
Streamlined app provisioning workflow for IT administrators
Consistent experience across all app types in Windows 365
Updated UI using Fluent Web design library