Usability of Windows 3.1

Overview
This project focuses on analyzing the usability of Windows 3.1, an early graphical operating system, through a modern user experience lens. The goal was to evaluate its interface design, identify key usability limitations, and propose improvements that align with contemporary accessibility and usability standards.
Rather than redesigning a modern product, this project examines how early interface conventions shaped digital interaction and how they can be improved using current UX principles.

Project Goals
The objective was to critically evaluate an early operating system and identify where it falls short by today’s usability expectations. The project focused on:
- Identifying accessibility and interaction issues
- Evaluating navigation clarity and visual hierarchy
- Analyzing iconography, layout density, and user flow
- Proposing interface improvements rooted in modern UX standards

Usability Findings
Through hands on testing and interface walkthroughs, several key usability challenges were identified:
- Overcrowded menus and limited spacing between clickable elements
- Low contrast text and iconography
- Inconsistent navigation patterns
- Small target sizes that increase user error
- Heavy reliance on memorization rather than visual guidance
- These limitations highlight how early graphical systems prioritized functionality over user comfort and accessibility.

Redesign Approach
Based on the usability findings, I created redesign concepts that modernize the interface while preserving its original structure. Improvements included:
- Increased spacing and larger interactive targets
- Clearer grouping of related tools
- Improved color contrast for readability
- Simplified navigation flows
- Modernized iconography while retaining system familiarity
The redesign maintains Windows 3.1’s functional logic but introduces accessibility first design standards.

Learning Outcomes
This project strengthened my ability to:
- Conduct usability evaluations
- Apply UX heuristics to real products
- Translate usability findings into design improvements
- Analyze historical interface systems through a modern UX lens
This project demonstrates analytical UX thinking, accessibility awareness, and redesign methodology key skills in professional UX/UI design.