Earlier this week, I wrote about the strategic importance of information architecture to a product launch. As an example, I discussed the recently-released Microsoft Surface Pro X, which isn’t compatible with all Windows apps. Alas, when the product launched, Microsoft’s app store didn’t make it clear to users of the Pro X what apps wouldn’t run on their device. Per a report on The Verge, Microsoft has now updated its store so these users don’t see incompatible apps.
Again, a caveat: I don’t own a Surface Pro X or use Windows, so I haven’t tested any of this. Still, I expect that hiding apps that aren’t compatible with the user’s device is an improvement. Given how soon after launch Microsoft rolled out this change, most customers probably won’t experience the frustration I highlighted in my earlier post.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro X now steers you away from buying apps that don’t work