Microsoft’s Xbox One just released last November, and although it hasn’t necessarily set the world on fire like its rival PlayStation 4 has, it’s done reasonably well for itself, becoming the fastest selling Xbox console in history. At the same time, though, it’s clear the Xbox One is not the console Microsoft wanted it to be- it’s not the future proofed cloud enabled box that Microsoft hoped would put an end to endlessly iterative hardware cycles. Instead, it’s a competent console that will last a regular console life cycle, and then will need to be replaced.
But it sounds like Microsoft is already on the ball with that- a new job listing indicates that they may already be working on the next generation Xbox console.
“The Xbox Industrial Design studio is building a world class in house team. We love entertainment. We live for building transformative entertainment experiences that resonate with consumers. We are looking for passionate designers who want to help us create next generation entertainment hardware for Microsoft.
“This is a design position within the Xbox industrial design studio. You will be joining a team that drives vision and product development for Xbox hardware programs. The right candidate will be a “hands on” individual contributor that will bring thought leadership, inspirational creative output, and passion to the Xbox entertainment space. In essence, this position requires nothing less than a “super creator”.
“As an industrial designer you will collaborate with design team and bring inventive ideas which will have large impact across the Xbox Entertainment Business.
“We expect a spontaneous and innovative creative process that takes advantage of consumer insight harvesting, inspiration way-finding, 3d sketching, prototyping, thoughtful consideration of business needs, and understanding of technical considerations. Above all the candidate should have a portfolio that demonstrates the ability to design soulful product experiences that delight consumers.”
It sounds like Microsoft is trying to create a console that marries software, hardware, and aesthetic design together. This may be something as simple as an Xbox redesign, or it may be a full fledged successor. Either way, it’s good to see that Microsoft isn’t coasting and just resting on its laurels.