“Frowny” Blue Screen of Death
CHALLENGE The Windows unrecoverable crash screen (the Blue Screen of Death or BSOD) hadn’t been updated for a very long time and was daunting and unhelpful for customers
SOLUTION Determine a new, softer way to communicate a crash in aligment with Microsoft voice
ROLE Content Designer
RESULTS The page was updated for Windows 8 and garnered press attention
The Design team and I held several brainstorming sessions. We all agreed that the page needed to be drastically simplified, so I provided clear and concise UI text. During my writing process, I came up with the idea of using an emoji on the screen to align with voice and to provide a visual element. While there was some hesitation, the designer pitched this concept up through design management. We received approval and implemented the design in Windows 8.
While people did experience the Blue Screen of Death when using Windows 8, the new approach solidified the new, more friendly and conversational voice and tone of Windows.
Press:
"Poor Windows 8. You totally crashed out, but you're so adorable. I just can't be mad at you." That may be the new reaction to operating system failure when Windows 8 finally reaches the masses. – cnet.com
It's good to see Microsoft making even the worst of user experiences... friendlier? But now I'm laughing AND kind of depressed. It's ok, Windows 8 tablet. Shh shh. It's gonna be ok. – gizmodo.com
“It took Microsoft long enough, but they've finally (FINALLY!) changed the blue screen of death to be something a little more friendly and a little less scary.” – lifehacker.com
“We’re fans of the new error screen — it’s much clearer and more user-friendly — though we hope there’ll be fewer chances to see it.” – Mashable.com