To keep pace with the evolving needs of its users, Office 365 is rolling out its first batch of UX updates.
Earlier this month, Office 365 has announced that they will be gradually releasing its initial set of user experience (UX) updates for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. In the next couple of months, this Microsoft-built suite of tools will be deploying new designs for select users to test and provide feedback.
The first set of updates, which are exclusive to Office.com and Office 365, includes:
- An updated version of the ribbon allows you to see your team for easier collaboration, but you can still opt out to go back to the classic design. The update is currently available on the web version of Word and will appear on Outlook in July.
- New colours and icons will appear throughout the apps for a more scalable graphics and updated UX. Select users will be able to find the update in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows. The new graphics will roll out on Outlook for Windows in July and on Outlook for Mac in August.
- The Search bar will be more obvious to the eye for easier access. The update is already made available on Office.com, SharePoint Online, and the Outlook mobile app, and it will start on Outlook on the web in August.
With “zero query search,” simply placing your cursor in the search box will bring up recommendations powered by AI and the Microsoft Graph.
It should be noted that the updates are currently in the trial period and developers are closely monitoring user feedback. More improvements will be expected in the design over the next few months.
We plan on carefully monitoring usage and feedback as the changes roll out, and we’ll update our designs as we learn more.
Have you experienced the new Office 365 updates in action? How was it? Let us know in the comments.