Microsoft explains thought process behind Xbox One design

It’s just another part of your living room

Microsoft has spent the better part of a decade trying to “own the living room”. It’s still trying to do that, but it aims to take a more covert approach with the Xbox One.

Before today’s reveal, Wired spoke with Scott Dallmeyer, a senior industrial designer on the Xbox One. He explained Microsoft’s desire to blend into the living room. Dallmeyer said “Previously, we were a vertical icon; we really stood out. With this, we wanted to be very quiet, very confident, but still very capable.”

Dallmeyer also took a moment to elaborate on some of the improvements to the system’s controller. The new Xbox One controller may look a lot like the 360 controller, but there are roughly 40 design innovations to make for an improved experience. There is a new D-pad, new impulse triggers, integrated battery compartment, and other ergonomic changes. It ought to settle right at home for people familiar with the de facto industry standard.

From Green Light to Boot-Up: Behind the Scenes of Xbox One’s Development [Wired]

Check out our Xbox One page and our on-going recap of all the news you need to know from today’s reveals.