WCOS + C-Shell

For months, rumors about Windows Core OS are floating around the web. A new modular OS that will power new devices and form factors that will enable new experiences. Surface Hub 2 and HoloLens 2 already run a version of this new OS and we’ll hopefully see more examples in the coming weeks and months.

According to leaks and rumors the user interface will be modular as well, code-named C-Shell. The idea is that the core OS and UI are de-coupled, so it can be easily adapted and configured based on device type, context or user. For example, the UI could adapt itself and change whenever you connect an Xbox controller and be optimized for that gaming experience. According to rumors, these ‘shells’ can be even distributed via the Microsoft Store so they can be easily updated without having full-blown OS updates (although those updates should be pretty fast and seamless as well, compared to Windows 10).

The thought of having a modular user experience that can be easily adapted and customized is super interesting to me. Hence this article: a concept what this could enable for future devices and experiences for the enterprise.

Introducing: Productivity Shells

What if these shells can not only be adapted by Microsoft — but what if this will be opened up to Microsoft’s core customer base: the enterprise? What if companies can tailor and optimize the computing experience for their employees to their own wishes and needs?

Within Office 365 this is already possible: tenants can be customized and company branding can be added (e.g. login screens or the O365 navigation bar).

Windows however is quite static: it can do everything, but doesn’t excel at anything. For most first-line workers, 90% of the features that Windows support are never used— what if we can tailor Windows to their main tasks while keeping that familiar Fluent look and feel and by making sure the core experience doesn’t suffer from it? This is where Productivity Shells come in!

Productivity Shells

- can be customized while keeping a distinctive Fluent Design look-and-feel.

- are infused with AI. Cortana can be of help whenever it’s needed. She can deliver relevant insights and take over tasks to make users more productive.

- are powered by O365. Tight integration of key O365 services (like Teams) will make users more efficient without switching apps. Adaptive cards and Fluid Framework are key technologies to enable this.

To make things tangible, I have created a couple of UX concepts that explain how Productivity Shells can empower first-line workers to achieve more.