Feature Story
Designer Wanted to Give Windows 7 Users Something Beautiful
Rolf Ebeling was new to Microsoft when he was tapped to design the Windows 7 startup animation. Ebeling sought inspiration for the animation from the light, color, and energy in everyday things.
Editor's note: This is the third story in "Seven behind Windows 7," a series featuring Microsoft employees who helped build Windows 7.
REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 30, 2009 — When Rolf Ebeling was working on the Windows 7 startup animation, he sought inspiration all around him.
He squinted at the way streetlights glowed in the rain. He watched the way light reflected on water. He looked at the electric zigzag of fireflies in flight. Ebeling knew the Microsoft Windows team wanted something that reflected the feeling of the new operating system—light, color, energy.
Ebeling created a 105-frame startup animation hoping to give users something beautiful and familiar during those few seconds when Windows 7 starts up. Now, every day millions watch Ebeling's design: four swirling points of light that come together to form a pulsing Windows 7 flag.
"We never lost sight that we wanted the boot-up to be faster, but thought, 'Well, if people are going to be there we should make it attractive and something that inspires confidence,'" said Ebeling, a senior user experience lead for the User Experience Design and Research Team for Windows, Windows Live and Internet Explorer.
