Lenovo Smart Connect
Smart Connect (prev. known as Lenovo One) is a cross-device software that enables seamless connectivity and collaboration between Windows and Android devices. With features like file sharing, screen mirroring, cross control, and app streaming.
In this project, I researched & developed a tailored UX writing guidelines for Lenovo's ZUI. I also collaborated on the UX design to enhance usability and led user testing for the first version, gathering feedback to optimize the software.
UX Design
UX Writing
My Role
The Challenge
How do we develop a clear and consistent UX system for Lenovo’s ZUI to make cross-device features easier to use for first-time users?
UX Writing
In the development phase of Lenovo’s ZUI system, there was no established UX writing guideline, particularly for creating a cohesive experience across both English and Chinese. My initial role focused on developing a clear, standardized UX writing guideline to unify the language and tone across interfaces, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.
ZUI Current Problem
Lenovo’s ZUI lacked standardized language patterns. There were inconsistencies in naming conventions, vague descriptions of cross-device actions, and unclear button labels.
Research
I began by analyzing UX writing guidelines from a range of established software platforms, including Apple, Android, Windows, and other cross-device ecosystems. My research focused on tone, clarity, consistency, and instructional language.
Key Best Practices
I identified several key best practices across systems:
Use of concise, action-oriented language (e.g., “Connect,” “Share,” “Switch”)
Consistent labeling for similar features across screens and devices
Clear microcopy for onboarding, error states, and permissions
Avoidance of overly technical or vague terms
UX Writing Guideline
To address this, I compiled a set of UX writing guidelines tailored to ZUI’s voice and tone. Prioritizing clarity, consistency, and accessibility. These guidelines served as a foundation for both future interface content and iterative design updates during the project.
UX Design
While developing the UX writing guidelines, I also collaborated closely with the design team to refine key elements of the Lenovo Freestyle interface. Below are some demos showcasing how the software enables seamless cross-device interaction.
Some features are unable to show due to security reasons*
User Testing
I led and conducted user testing sessions for the established features of the first version Lenovo One. focusing on evaluating the clarity of UX writing, ease of navigation, and overall usability.
Testing Objectives
Clarity – Do users easily understand key actions and system messages?
Navigation – Can users complete cross-device tasks without confusion?
Onboarding Experience – Is it intuitive for first-time users to connect devices?
Methodology
I recruited a group of Lenovo employees who regularly use Android and Windows devices and were not familiar with the software.
Task-Based Usability Testing – Participants were asked to complete demos of certain features (onboarding, mirroring a screen, transferring files, switching device control).
Think-Aloud Protocol – Users verbalized their thoughts while navigating the interface.
Surveys & Feedback – After testing, participants provided feedback on clarity, ease of use, and any points of confusion.
Key Findings
Unclear Terminology – Some feature names (e.g., "Universal Control") were not immediately understood. Users expected clearer phrasing like "Control Across Devices."
Unclear Icon - Some icons were found confusing by the users.
Onboarding Challenges – New users were a little unsure about how to initiate device pairing due to missing step-by-step guidance.
A/B Testing
As part of the user testing process, I conducted A/B testing to evaluate different cursor flow patterns for the Cross Control feature, ensuring a seamless transition between devices. The test compared two variations:
User Feedback
Users found Version A more intuitive, as it provided a smoother and more natural cursor movement.
Some testers initially struggled with cursor placement, leading to refinements in visual indicators and onboarding guidance.
Refinements
Based on user feedback, I worked with the UX team to refine the design by:
Standardizing terminology across screens to eliminate confusion.
Enhancing onboarding instructions with clearer step-by-step guidance.
Revising error messages and system prompts to provide actionable next steps.
Redesign button icons for better clarity.
Worked with Dev team to develop the version A cursor flow for Cross Control.
Where It Is Today
The product has since officially launched and continues to evolve. Its current website and product videos offer a look at how the experience has developed beyond the original project.
Seeing the work become part of a real, public-facing product reinforced the value of designing with both immediate user needs and long-term product growth in mind.
Visit the official product website
Key Insights & Reflections
Learned the impact of clear UX writing
Saw how thoughtful terminology, microcopy, and onboarding can reduce confusion and make complex workflows feel intuitive.
Validated designs through user testing
Used A/B testing and user feedback to uncover friction points and guide more confident design decisions.Discovered how small changes shape the experience
Realized that refining copy, labels, and interaction details can significantly improve usability without changing the overall design.Strengthened cross-functional collaboration
Worked closely with designers, developers, and stakeholders to iterate on both content and user experience, leading to a more cohesive product.
