Why is the Xbox One S so aesthetically pleasing?

To many, the Xbox One S is one of the most beautifully designed consoles that Microsoft has ever put on the market, but why is this? The answer lies within a key part of the design team for the project – Andrew Kim.

Kim, known as an important “visual and product” designer for the company, came to become known after creating and publishing his design concepts for the rebranding of Microsoft in 2012 – dubbed “The Next Microsoft.” He was then hired by the company and logically placed within their design department. He was first responsible for working on the Xbox One S and is now is designing the HoloLens project.

Kim posted on his website that the Xbox One S was a very significant project for him personally, as the team was tasked with making a gaming console that “[didn’t] evoke traditional ‘gaming’ cues,” – all the while maintaining the Windows 10 design language within the new hardware. They also managed to “[dramatically reduce] the size of the device and removed the bulky external power supply,” which is a feat in itself.

The hard work can be seen in the final product, and represents a success not only for Kim, but for Microsoft’s ability to consistently create eye-catching and stunning hardware.