YOUR PHONE COMPANION

Overview

While working at Microsoft as part of the Mobile Experiences team, I contributed to the UX and UI design of the Your Phone Companion app. This experience allows Android users to access messages, notifications, photos, and even apps directly from their Windows desktop. This project focused on reducing device switching and streamlining productivity across multiple platforms.

Your Phone Companion

My Role

Collaborated closely with PMs and developers to design cross-platform experiences
Created UX flows for syncing content between Android devices and Windows
Designed clean, responsive UI layouts for managing notifications, texts, and images from desktop
Focused on interaction design and edge cases to ensure a seamless user experience
Supported early testing efforts and contributed to refinement through feedback loops

DISCIPLINES: UX / UI / RESEARCH / CROSS-PLATFORM

Problem

Users were frustrated by the need to switch between their phone and PC throughout the workday constantly. Simple tasks, such as replying to a message, checking a notification, or grabbing a recent photo, required interruptions that slowed productivity. Microsoft needed a way to unify these workflows without compromising performance or security.

Design Approach

Prioritized clarity and continuity between phone and desktop views
Created a sidebar-focused UI for quickly accessing phone content in a familiar Windows layout
Used subtle microinteractions and system-style elements to blend with Windows design language
Ensured a balance between passive sync (like notifications) and active interaction (like replying to texts)
Helped define permissions flows to give users control over what was shared

User flow / wireframes

New Flows

I created illustrations that matched MSFT brand style and lighted up the flow with precise copy to help users understand they can sync their devices seamlessly.

App store banner

For our banner ads, I wanted our title copy to be no more than 3-5 words to reflect the imagery. The word limit and Imagery was decided through a series of user testing.

Notifications

I also explored and delivered multiple scenarios for desktop

Inline reply

Once devices are set up the user can reply from the PC instead of always using their mobile device.

Viewing photos

Mirroring devices

Using “Your Phone Companion” the user is able to mirror exactly what’s on their mobile device onto their PC.

Outcome

Your Phone Companion became a core feature in Windows 10 and continues to evolve as Phone Link.
Contributed to significant increases in daily engagement with PC-linked Android features
Highlighted by Microsoft in major product updates and Android OEM partnerships (e.g. Samsung)
Helped establish best practices for designing persistent cross-device experiences

Microsoft - Your Phone Companion

YOUR PHONE COMPANION

Overview

Your Phone Companion

My Role

Collaborated closely with PMs and developers to design cross-platform experiences

Created UX flows for syncing content between Android devices and Windows

Designed clean, responsive UI layouts for managing notifications, texts, and images from desktop

Focused on interaction design and edge cases to ensure a seamless user experience

Supported early testing efforts and contributed to refinement through feedback loops

DISCIPLINES: UX / UI / RESEARCH / CROSS-PLATFORM

Problem

Design Approach

Prioritized clarity and continuity between phone and desktop views

Created a sidebar-focused UI for quickly accessing phone content in a familiar Windows layout

Used subtle microinteractions and system-style elements to blend with Windows design language

Ensured a balance between passive sync (like notifications) and active interaction (like replying to texts)

Helped define permissions flows to give users control over what was shared

User flow / wireframes

New Flows

I created illustrations that matched MSFT brand style and lighted up the flow with precise copy to help users understand they can sync their devices seamlessly.

App store banner

For our banner ads, I wanted our title copy to be no more than 3-5 words to reflect the imagery. The word limit and Imagery was decided through a series of user testing.

Notifications

I also explored and delivered multiple scenarios for desktop

Inline reply

Once devices are set up the user can reply from the PC instead of always using their mobile device.

Viewing photos

Mirroring devices

Using “Your Phone Companion” the user is able to mirror exactly what’s on their mobile device onto their PC.

Outcome

Your Phone Companion became a core feature in Windows 10 and continues to evolve as Phone Link.

Contributed to significant increases in daily engagement with PC-linked Android features

Highlighted by Microsoft in major product updates and Android OEM partnerships (e.g. Samsung)

Helped establish best practices for designing persistent cross-device experiences