Japan's Good Design Awards are handed out each year to well-designed products across a wide range of industries. Past winners in the game industry have included Nintendo's DS lite and Game Boy micro and Sony's PlayStation 2 and PSP. This year's nominees were examined carefully between June and September and the stylish design of Microsoft's Xbox 360 looks to have caught the eye of the judges.
The machine was designed by Hers Experimental design lab. in Japan, lead by Mr. Chiaki Murata and Astro Studio in the US, under the direction of Microsoft's Jonathan Hayes. From the start of the project to its final design, Microsoft constantly tested the design with users all over the world. With this technique, they have been able to create something that appeals not only to the Japanese consumer, but to people all across the globe. The simple, curved design contrasts starkly with the major processing power inside the machine, and gives a refined look that can be coordinated with any interior. Their words, not ours.
Specific points that appealed to the judges include the concave bodyline, the ability to place the machine both vertically and horizontally, removable faceplate allowing users to decorate the machine to their liking, the combination of wireless controller and ring design, which also acts as a power button and houses the machine's icon, and the comprehensive international design process that allowed it all to happen.
The award ceremony will be held on October 25th.
Jonathan Lumb
October 12, 2006
Source:
1UP