Quoori

INTRODUCTION

In a world where mobile devices constantly vie for user attention, Quoori set out to rethink how operating systems could better respect and protect human focus. The problem space revolves around the high cost of human attention in an environment flooded with distractions, ingrained habits, and complex patterns of behavior.

Our mission was to design a mobile experience that not only reduces cognitive overload but also adapts intelligently. By leveraging AI, we created systems that learn from user behavior and dynamically adjust notifications, interactions, and system functions to support more mindful, intentional usage.

In this case study, I’ll explore the features I helped design to address these challenges and how they contribute to a more human-centered and distraction-aware mobile platform.

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE📲⚙️

Designing for a mobile operating system requires thinking at an entirely different scale than working on an app or a single feature. The architecture of the system touches every interaction a user has with their device, from basic navigation to complex workflows, making it critical to ensure cohesion and fluidity across all components — it’s the foundation upon which all user experiences are built. In the following subsections, I’ll break down the core of the system architecture that forms the backbone of the operating system.

Universal Input

The Universal Input was designed to give users the freedom to interact with their device in the way that feels most natural to them. Whether through text, voice, drawing, or even image input, users can seamlessly enter queries and commands without being constrained to a single input method. The home screen is built to adapt to these diverse inputs, creating a flexible, intuitive interface that supports all kinds of interactions. This overall enhances accessibility and makes the operating system more responsive to individual user preferences.

The Concierge

The Concierge is the intelligent AI assistant that drives the entire system, responding to user’s universal input, taking system-level actions on behalf of the user. Beyond simply reacting, the Concierge proactively makes suggestions and recommends actions based on user behavior. Its flexibility extends further by integrating seamlessly with both native and third-party apps, pulling up relevant content through specialized integrations known as “skills.” This makes it a central, intelligent hub for navigating and interacting with the entire OS.

Behavior Profiles

Quoori OS introduces Behavior Profiles to give users greater control over how their device interacts with them. During onboarding, users can choose from four distinct profiles that shape how the Concierge Assistant responds and takes actions. These profiles empower users to customize their experience based on their unique needs and habits, making the OS truly adaptive.

‘Stay connected’ – ensures constant updates on all device-related activities
‘Regain focus’ – delivers timely, relevant information to help users stay productive
'Live minimal’ – reduces interruptions to only the most critical notifications, and
‘Explore and discover’ – enhances content exploration and discovery.

SKILLS📊⏳

The “Skills” of the Concierge Assistant are the actions it performs after resolving user input, working seamlessly with both native and third-party apps through integrations. The result of a skill can either be a ‘Display Object’, which provides relevant information to the user, or a ‘Work Object’, which allows users to input their own details—such as drafting an email or setting up a calendar event. When an integration with a third-party app isn’t available, the OS hands off the task to the respective app, ensuring uninterrupted workflow and user experience.

Display Objects

Display objects present users with relevant information in an aesthetically pleasing and intuitive interface. These objects are designed to make it easy for users to quickly access data without needing to take further action. Skills that generate Display Objects include features like real-time stock updates, weather forecasts, time differences, and news reports. By providing information in a clean and accessible way, Display Objects help users stay informed without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity.

Work Objects

Work Objects provide users with interactive interfaces that allow them to input additional information required to achieve a specific outcome. Whether it’s drafting an email, creating a calendar event, or adding a new contact, these interfaces guide the user through the process of providing the necessary details and displays a summary of the entered information before confirming.

Handoff

In cases where a user’s input request cannot be fully resolved by a Skill—whether due to a lack of integration with a third-party app or because the request naturally requires it the Concierge initiates a Handoff. This seamless transition directs the user to the appropriate third-party app to complete their task, ensuring continuity without disrupting the user experience. The Handoff mechanism allows the system to gracefully manage requests beyond its built-in capabilities while maintaining a cohesive flow for the user.

LAYER MODEL📚🔎

The Layer Model represents the core structure that supports smooth navigation across various system elements, including Notifications, Multitasking, History, the App Library, and the Lockscreen. A gesture model is employed to navigate seamlessly between these interconnected layers, allowing users to fluidly switch between tasks and access information with intuitive swipes and taps. Each layer operates independently yet cohesively, enhancing the overall user experience by ensuring that key functions are always within reach.

History / Recents

Users can easily track their past interactions through a chronological view of all requests and their outputs. These outputs, representing the resolution of skills in either Display or Work Objects, are conveniently accessible with a left edge swipe. This History view ensures that users can quickly revisit previous actions and responses, making it easy to stay organized and informed about their recent activity.

Multitask & App Library

Multitasking is designed for effortless navigation between open apps. Users can access the multitask view with a familiar long swipe up from the bottom edge, a gesture that aligns with learned behaviors. Within the multitask view, the right edge of the screen displays favorite apps for quick access. Swiping further from the right edge brings users to the App Library, where they can set their favorite apps and browse a full list of installed apps, making app browsing and navigation seamless.

Lock Screen

Users can quickly access essential information without unlocking their device on the Lockscreen of Quoori OS. High-priority notifications, proactive recommendations, and the time are all displayed prominently, allowing users to stay informed at a glance. This approach ensures that users can manage critical updates effortlessly while maintaining a streamlined, efficient experience and regain focus on things important to them.

Notification Center

The Notification Center gives users quick access to controls and notifications. Notifications are organized into two distinct tabs:

Chats - includes notifications from communication apps like SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.
Updates - gathers notifications from other apps with lower priority.

Additionally, a dedicated rail showcases live activities from apps such as Spotify or Uber, allowing users to stay informed and manage active sessions seamlessly.

REFLECTION

Reflecting on my time at Quoori, I’m reminded of the unique challenges and learning moments that came with creating such a complex system. There were ups and downs, but each hurdle pushed us to rethink and refine our approach, making the journey as rewarding as it was demanding.

Collaborating closely with the design team was one of the highlights, as we tackled every challenge together with creativity and resilience. Navigating these fun yet formidable obstacles as a team made the experience truly memorable and enriched my perspective on designing at an OS level.