Gaming Copilot
Gaming Copilot
Gaming Copilot
2026 / visual / systems / product
Gaming Copilot is an AI-powered assistant designed to help gamers by providing contextual support, game recommendations, and interactive guidance through voice or text. It integrates directly into gaming platforms to enhance the overall player experience with real-time, in-game assistance.
ROLE
I led the branding and identity development for the product while driving both the UI and UX design across the experience. My primary focus was shaping the mobile experience for chat and voice conversations, ensuring the product felt cohesive, intuitive, and aligned with the overall brand direction. As the work evolved, my role expanded into solving more complex design challenges across additional platforms, including PC and handheld devices, creating a unified experience overall.
2026 / visual / systems / ux / product
Gaming Copilot is an AI-powered assistant designed to help gamers by providing contextual support, game recommendations, and interactive guidance through voice or text. It integrates directly into gaming platforms to enhance the overall player experience with real-time, in-game assistance.
2026 / visual / systems / ux / product
Gaming Copilot is an AI-powered assistant designed to help gamers by providing contextual support, game recommendations, and interactive guidance through voice or text. It integrates directly into gaming platforms to enhance the overall player experience with real-time, in-game assistance.
Role
I led the branding and identity development for the product while driving both the UI and UX design across the experience. My primary focus was shaping the mobile experience for chat and voice conversations, ensuring the product felt cohesive, intuitive, and aligned with the overall brand direction. As the work evolved, my role expanded into solving more complex design challenges across additional platforms, including PC and handheld devices, creating a unified experience overall.
Role
I led the branding and identity development for the product while driving both the UI and UX design across the experience. My primary focus was shaping the mobile experience for chat and voice conversations, ensuring the product felt cohesive, intuitive, and aligned with the overall brand direction. As the work evolved, my role expanded into solving more complex design challenges across additional platforms, including PC and handheld devices, creating a unified experience overall.
branding
Felt, not seen
Our brand direction centered on creating an agent presence that is felt, not seen—a design that supports the user without demanding attention. The experience is intentionally subtle, using motion, tone, and visual cues that appear only when needed. It remains contextual, adapting its visibility and behavior based on what the user is doing. Above all, it is non‑intrusive, ensuring the agent enhances the experience rather than interrupting it.
Scaling back
After gathering user data, it was revealed that users found this initial iteration distracting. In order to avoid taking attention away from the conversation, we led with a more subtle approach that gave the conversation a spotlight, rather than the visuals themselves. Brighter colors are incorporated sparingly with specific moments, such as an active state in the composer or voice background animation.
Creating a complex design system
I collaborated with another designer in creating a complex design system, rooted in the brand principles we set. Because this experience landed between Copilot and Xbox, consistency audits among other Xbox experiences, Copilot experiences, and competitive research gave us a insight for our foundation. Part of this new library stayed true to the existing Xbox Design System, but we added new elements where it made sense. The result was a fresh system that felt true to Xbox and maintained user trust.
Key product applications
Conversation starters that actually start the conversation
I redesigned conversation starters to improve discoverability and increase engagement. The redesigned conversation starters created clearer entry points. Previously, prompts were horizontally arranged above the composer, with a large amount of empty space in the center of the screen. I created an improved layout where the prompts and the headline were contained in the same space, with the intention of increasing ease of readability and visual hierarchy. I added corresponding emojis as well as “discover your gamer type” prompt, which performed well in user research.
branding & system
Felt, not seen
Our color system reinforced the subtle design intention for Gaming Copilot. Soft gradients of green, blue, and purple created an ambient backdrop which echoed existing Xbox branding, helping the product feel naturally integrated in the ecosystem. During voice interactions, we introduced fluid, gentle gradient motion to give the experience a sense of active presence.
branding & system
Felt, not seen
Our color system reinforced the subtle design intention for Gaming Copilot. Soft gradients of green, blue, and purple created an ambient backdrop which echoed existing Xbox branding, helping the product feel naturally integrated in the ecosystem. During voice interactions, we introduced fluid, gentle gradient motion to give the experience a sense of active presence.
Scaling back
After gathering user data, it was revealed that users found this initial iteration distracting. In order to avoid taking attention away from the conversation, we led with a more subtle approach that gave the conversation a spotlight, rather than the visuals themselves. Brighter colors are incorporated sparingly with specific moments, such as an active state in the composer or voice background animation.
Scaling back
After gathering user data, it was revealed that users found this initial iteration distracting. In order to avoid taking attention away from the conversation, we led with a more subtle approach that gave the conversation a spotlight, rather than the visuals themselves. Brighter colors are incorporated sparingly with specific moments, such as an active state in the composer or voice background animation.
Starting exploration (L) vs. final (R)
Creating a complex design system
I collaborated with another designer in creating a complex design system, rooted in the brand principles we set. Because this experience landed between Copilot and Xbox, consistency audits among other Xbox experiences, Copilot experiences, and competitive research gave us a insight for our foundation. Part of this new library stayed true to the existing Xbox Design System, but we added new elements where it made sense. The result was a fresh system that felt true to Xbox and maintained user trust.
Creating a complex design system
I collaborated with another designer in creating a complex design system, rooted in the brand principles we set. Because this experience landed between Copilot and Xbox, consistency audits among other Xbox experiences, Copilot experiences, and competitive research gave us a insight for our foundation. Part of this new library stayed true to the existing Xbox Design System, but we added new elements where it made sense. The result was a fresh system that felt true to Xbox and maintained user trust.
Key product applications
Conversation starters that actually start the conversation
I redesigned conversation starters to improve discoverability and increase engagement. The redesigned conversation starters created clearer entry points. Previously, prompts were horizontally arranged above the composer, with a large amount of empty space in the center of the screen. I created an improved layout where the prompts and the headline were contained in the same space, with the intention of increasing ease of readability and visual hierarchy. I added corresponding emojis as well as “discover your gamer type” prompt, which performed well in user research.
More intuitive composer interactions for text and voice chats
I thought through each state of the composer, defining what would be the most intuitive at each point of the interaction. For both text and voice composer designs, I prioritized transparency so the user knows exactly what to do, all without cognitive overload.
More intuitive composer interactions for text and voice chats
I thought through each state of the composer, defining what would be the most intuitive at each point of the interaction. For both text and voice composer designs, I prioritized transparency so the user knows exactly what to do, all without cognitive overload.
Key product applications
Conversation starters that actually start the conversation
I redesigned conversation starters to improve discoverability and increase engagement. The redesigned conversation starters created clearer entry points. Previously, prompts were horizontally arranged above the composer, with a large amount of empty space in the center of the screen. I created an improved layout where the prompts and the headline were contained in the same space, with the intention of increasing ease of readability and visual hierarchy. I added corresponding emojis as well as “discover your gamer type” prompt, which performed well in user research.
More intuitive composer interactions for text and voice chats
I thought through each state of the composer, defining what would be the most intuitive at each point of the interaction. For both text and voice composer designs, I prioritized transparency so the user knows exactly what to do, all without cognitive overload.
Providing game context
When a supported game is detected in the background, a pill-shaped indicator appears at the top of the screen. It keeps the current game visible without distracting from the conversation, making it clear that Gaming Copilot is aware of what the user is playing. This shared context enables more natural interactions, allowing users to ask concise or ambiguous questions without repeatedly specifying the game. Since the first iteration isn’t interactive, the next version incorporates the ability to dismiss as well as a more minimal visual presence in the composer.
Video cards built for players
Including videos in-line with the response allows the user to quickly learn more. Previously, videos were listed as text that users can click on. I designed a more intuitive and engaging way to display videos, where users can see relevant info and imagery as they swipe or scroll horizontally within the response. After the user clicks on the video, they have the option to select the PIP icon to view the video in a separate widget. In that new widget, they are able to pin the video over their screen. This is especially helpful for when a user wants to reference the video during gameplay.
The first iteration provides context of the active game.
Game presence in the second iteration is moved to the composer for a more streamlined UI, and gives the option to dismiss the pill.
Some of my early ideas for game presence involved an entire themed experience of chat and voice UI. Here's an example with Minecraft.
Providing game context
When a supported game is detected in the background, a pill-shaped indicator appears at the top of the screen. It keeps the current game visible without distracting from the conversation, making it clear that Gaming Copilot is aware of what the user is playing. This shared context enables more natural interactions, allowing users to ask concise or ambiguous questions without repeatedly specifying the game. Since the first iteration isn’t interactive, the next version incorporates the ability to dismiss as well as a more minimal visual presence in the composer.
Providing game context
When a supported game is detected in the background, a pill-shaped indicator appears at the top of the screen. It keeps the current game visible without distracting from the conversation, making it clear that Gaming Copilot is aware of what the user is playing. This shared context enables more natural interactions, allowing users to ask concise or ambiguous questions without repeatedly specifying the game. Since the first iteration isn’t interactive, the next version incorporates the ability to dismiss as well as a more minimal visual presence in the composer.
The first iteration provides context of the active game.
Game presence in the second iteration is moved to the composer for a more streamlined UI, and gives the option to dismiss the pill.
The first iteration provides context of the active game.
Game presence in the second iteration is moved to the composer for a more streamlined UI, and gives the option to dismiss the pill.
Some of my early ideas for game presence involved an entire themed experience of chat and voice UI. Here's an example with Minecraft.
Video cards built for players
Including videos in-line with the response allows the user to quickly learn more. Previously, videos were listed as text that users can click on. I designed a more intuitive and engaging way to display videos, where users can see relevant info and imagery as they swipe or scroll horizontally within the response. After the user clicks on the video, they have the option to select the PIP icon to view the video in a separate widget. In that new widget, they are able to pin the video over their screen. This is especially helpful for when a user wants to reference the video during gameplay.
Video cards built for players
Including videos in-line with the response allows the user to quickly learn more. Previously, videos were listed as text that users can click on. I designed a more intuitive and engaging way to display videos, where users can see relevant info and imagery as they swipe or scroll horizontally within the response. After the user clicks on the video, they have the option to select the PIP icon to view the video in a separate widget. In that new widget, they are able to pin the video over their screen. This is especially helpful for when a user wants to reference the video during gameplay.
impact
Improved consistency across surfaces
Constant communication within our design team, and with PMs and engineering led to alignment across mobile and Game Bar. As a main goal, consistency
Delivered 2x greater engagement
After making updates to the prompt styling and messaging in the default chat home screen, data revealed that the starter click-through rate doubled. In the study, users showed genuine interest in starting a conversation, especially for the gamer type prompt. Return to key product applications
reflection
Working on a small team with fast-paced deadlines
Working on a lean team with a heavy workload encouraged my balance of speed, quality, and strategic thinking. Beyond individual features, I helped shape the broader experience under a fast-paced environment. This pushed me to be decisive in my design thinking, align stakeholders quickly, and focus design efforts on the areas that would result in the greatest impact for players.
Building an AI experience during a strategic change
Although the product reached beta, organizational priorities changed after a leadership transition. The project was ultimately sunset as Xbox reassessed how Copilot fits into its long term vision. The experience influenced my thinking on transparency, user trust, and how to design AI features that provide clear value for the user.
impact
Improved consistency across surfaces
Alignment across mobile and Game Bar came from consistent collaboration with our design team, PMs, and engineers. Understanding each stakeholder’s goals within the broader goal of improving the player experience was essential to creating a cohesive, contextual, and non-intrusive product.
Delivered 2x greater engagement
After making updates to the prompt styling and messaging in the default chat home screen, data revealed that the starter click-through rate doubled. In the study, users showed genuine interest in starting a conversation, especially for the gamer type prompt.
reflection
Working on a small team with fast-paced deadlines
Working on a lean team with a heavy workload encouraged my balance of speed, quality, and strategic thinking. Beyond individual features, I helped shape the broader experience under a fast-paced environment. This pushed me to be decisive in my design thinking, align stakeholders quickly, and focus design efforts on the areas that would result in the greatest impact for players.
Building an AI experience during a strategic change
Although the product reached beta, organizational priorities changed after a leadership transition. The project was ultimately sunset as Xbox reassessed how Copilot fits into its long term vision. The experience influenced my thinking on transparency, user trust, and how to design AI features that provide clear value for the user.
impact
Improved consistency across surfaces
Alignment across mobile and Game Bar came from consistent collaboration with our design team, PMs, and engineers. Understanding each stakeholder’s goals within the broader goal of improving the player experience was essential to creating a cohesive, contextual, and non-intrusive product.
Delivered 2x greater engagement
After making updates to the prompt styling and messaging in the default chat home screen, data revealed that the starter click-through rate doubled. In the study, users showed genuine interest in starting a conversation, especially for the gamer type prompt.
reflection
Working on a small team with fast-paced deadlines
Working on a lean team with a heavy workload encouraged my balance of speed, quality, and strategic thinking. Beyond individual features, I helped shape the broader experience under a fast-paced environment. This pushed me to be decisive in my design thinking, align stakeholders quickly, and focus design efforts on the areas that would result in the greatest impact for players.
Building an AI experience during a strategic change
Although the product reached beta, organizational priorities changed after a leadership transition. The project was ultimately sunset as Xbox reassessed how Copilot fits into its long term vision. The experience influenced my thinking on transparency, user trust, and how to design AI features that provide clear value for the user.