Xbox One and Design: Perspective from the Xbox One Design Team

TL;DR

The Xbox One design journey focused on simplicity, incorporating invisible technology, and a 16x9 cinematic experience.

Transcript

Xbox One was a fantastic new adventure for us here in the Xbox and so for us the design Journey really started looking at the past so we looked at the original Xbox we looked at the 360 and we asked ourselves what is it that we wanted the expression of Xbox One to be about we consider a lot of different things uh but it was very important for us to... Read More

Key Insights

• 😤 The design team drew inspiration from the past consoles, seeking to understand the history and heritage of Xbox.
• 👥 A key principle in designing Xbox One was simplicity, with the team aiming for invisible technology and a simple, intuitive user experience.
• 👤 The design language of Xbox One reflected elements in the UI and software, creating a cohesive user experience.
• 🖤 The "liquid black" color was carefully developed to create a visually appealing and magical presentation of Xbox in the living room.
• 🎮 The design of the controller included micro details that enhanced gameplay and improvements such as removing the battery bump.
• 😤 The design team aimed to establish a clear relationship with Windows Phone and Windows 8, using a similar tile-based system.
• ✋ The Kinect sensor featured a front lens designed to blend in with the television and provide a high-definition appearance.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the main inspiration for the design of Xbox One?

The design team looked to the past consoles, such as the original Xbox and Xbox 360, to understand the heritage and history of Xbox.

Q: How did the design team approach creating a simple and intuitive user experience?

The team focused on incorporating invisible technology that delivers a simple experience for users. They wanted the technology to be delightful and not require users to understand the intricate details behind it.

Q: How did the design team ensure a cohesive design language across different elements?

The design team aimed for a holistic approach, with details in the console, sensor, and controller reflecting elements in the UI and software. This created a unified and consistent user experience.

Q: What was the significance of the "liquid black" color in the design?

The design team developed a special color called "liquid black" that created a deep and rich black appearance. It was used to suspend the Xbox logo, creating a magical presentation in the living room.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Xbox design team looked at the past consoles for inspiration and sought to understand the heritage and history of Xbox.

• The design process involved creating various concepts and refining ideas to create a simple and intuitive user experience.

• Details within the console, sensor, and controller were designed to reflect elements happening in the UI and software.