The Next-Gen PC Design Competition is a competition spotlighting the developers of innovative PC industrial designs, as well as increasing awareness among consumers and businesses about the importance of industrial design and the digital lifestyle in the development of PCs. This year’s competition focuses on designs that help people do what they feel passionate about.
Each entrant submits their best Windows-based design-PC concept(s) for judging. Up to five (5) prizes will be awarded -- Judge’s Award, 1st, 2nd and 3rd (as well as up to 5 Honorable Mentions), Chairman’s Award, and Public’s Choice — based on the design’s innovativeness, aesthetics, and user experience. Submissions will be accepted between September 14th and December 14th 2007.
Whether you’re an established design team, an independent designer, or a student, here’s your chance to help shape the future of the Windows-based PC experience and win cash prizes, the recognition of the industry, and a distinction unlike any other. Envision how form factor influences the digital lifestyle and the personal computer experience, from hardware and software to the out-of-box experience.
For additional information on the industrial design industry, visit IDSA’s Web site at: http://www.idsa.org/
Microsoft is working with the IDSA on this competition to encourage ongoing Windows PC enthusiasm by engaging the imagination and creativity of the industrial design community and delivering a resource for the PC industry at large. Additionally, Microsoft hopes to identify great talent and spur a dialogue between the ID field, the PC industry, and our shared customers regarding what makes a great PC that fits their digital lifestyle.
Entrants may submit as many entries as they wish; however, each entry must be substantially unique in design, form and function.
There are no limitations as to how far in the future the PC should be designed. Designs can be conceptual, but should be an evolution of current technology. Entrants are welcome to submit a design that is based on a technology that doesn’t exist today; however, entrants must explain the new technology thoroughly, and keep in mind that Market Viability and Manufacturability will be considered in the judging criteria.
This year’s competition focus is on the design of Next-Gen PCs that help users do what they love to do better, either by enhancing the overall experience or by helping users complete tasks related to their passions. These kinds of PCs are sometimes called “niche PCs,” because they address the interests and needs of a niche group through premium combinations of hardware and devices, software, and services.
This year’s Next-Gen PC designs must contain scenarios and features specific to helping people pursue their passions more easily, more powerfully, and more enjoyably; even helping users obtain results they never thought possible. Your design’s goal should be to more closely match what the PC industry supplies with what people need to pursue their passions (and to refrain from supplying what they don’t need). This year’s Next-Gen PCs should also contain customizable elements of the general experience—for example, the out-of-box experience (the experience of turning on the computer for the first time) or getting technical support.
Remember that it’s important to clearly define and thoroughly understand the audience for whom you’re designing this year’s Next-Gen PC. Consider their culture and lifestyle, and everything from their habits and practices to their demographics and psychographics; then ask yourself these questions:
- What tasks are they trying to complete and how can technology help them?
- What are their unmet needs?
- How large is the group? What are their spending habits?
- What would they be excited to buy? What other types of technology do they buy? Is there any commonality to their sense of style?
Yes, software and UI design are a part of this competition, and PC designs will be judged on the entire PC experience. Designs can be conceptual but should be an evolution of current technology and Windows software. Entrants are welcome to submit a design based on a technology or a version of Windows that does not exist today; however, Market Viability and Manufacturability will be considered in the judging criteria.
Designs should encompass the complete personal computing experience including but not limited to:
- Hardware design (the exterior design, shape, coloring and interaction with hardware)
- Setup/Personalization (personal setup options that reflect or enhance your passion)
- Services (internet services and compatibility features)
- Software (programs aimed to enhance or make your passion easier)
- Out-of-box experience (the experience of unpacking and turning on your computer for the first time)
- Accessories (add-on hardware and peripherals that add to the overall effectiveness of the PC)
No, you do not need to submit a prototype for this competition. Entry requirements call for illustrations only.
As part of our academic outreach, Microsoft and IDSA encourage professors to include the Next-Gen PC Design Competition as part of their course curriculum. However, all students should verify with their school that their entries can earn academic credit towards their program of study. MSFT & IDSA are not responsible for disputes arising between schools and participating students regarding academic credit for contest participation.
A: No. Contest entrants do not sign any intellectual property transfer agreements with the Sponsors by entering; all rights are owned by their creators. However, Microsoft will retain first right of refusal on acquisition of designs entered into the competition at standard industry rates, mutually agreed upon by all parties, for the purpose of conceptualizing designs.
A: While it is stated in the rules that you retain ALL intellectual property rights, and that you merely give the Sponsors permission to use your entry in connection with the Contest, any information that might live on in someone’s mind as a result of accessing your entry is freely useable by the Sponsors as it would be with any contest similar to the Next-Gen PC Design Competition.
A: No. Because you retain ownership to your intellectual property rights, you are free to license or sell those rights. However, by entering you are agreeing to give Microsoft the first right of refusal to license your technology, at a mutually agreed upon rate, before you provide the opportunity to any other party.
A: Simply to avoid confusion. Even though you retain ownership to your intellectual property rights, it is possible that the Sponsors may create independent works that may be interpreted by you as being inspired by virtue of access and review of the many entries. This does not mean the Sponsors are using the idea or intellectual property per se; it means that Sponsors may come up with their own ideas from information that may live on in someone’s mind, if any, by being exposed to the entries. Additionally, any company that has so many branches and products needs to ensure that work currently in progress is protected as well from being confused with entries into this or other contests we run.
All eligible entries will be posted in the design directory following completion of this competition. However, during the competition, only the finalists (as determined during pre-judging) will be posted and eligible for the Public’s Choice Award.
Entries must be submitted online by December 14, 2007, but we advise that you do not wait until the 14th to submit your entry if you would like the chance to re-submit an otherwise non-eligible entry. After your submission has been reviewed and accepted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with the details—including a mailing address—for submitting your hard copy materials via traceable courier. Hard copies must be received by Microsoft to the address provided by January 4, 2008, 11:59 p.m. EST without exception or extension.
Please allow up to 4 to 7 business days for review of your online submission. If for any reason it is declined after December 14, you will be ineligible for consideration. If you have not received an acceptance e-mail within 7 days of submission, please check back on www.nextgendesigncomp.com for status and mailing instructions.
Hard copy materials should include:
- Entry Kit ID # on the envelope of your entry, as well as on your pictures and supporting materials. This is how your design will be identified. Do not include your name or affiliation anywhere on hard copy materials.
- Printout of Completed Entry Questions (in English language)
- Printout of one thumbnail glamour shot image of up to ten (10) color or black and white photo illustrations. (no larger than 24" by 24")
- 2 CDs containing:
- One Thumbnail glamour shot image (high resolution, no less than 300 dpi)
- Up to ten (10) color or black and white photo illustrations (high resolution, no less than 300 dpi)
Optional
- Printout of one-page research summary attached to entry questions.
- Windows Media Video (WMV) not to exceed 2 minutes and 3 MB in size included on CD. NOTE: You must indicate clearly on the hard copy that there is a video in the materials.
To meet the hard copy requirements of the competition, entrants need to provide a copy of their printed Entry Questions and Answers along with their other hard copy materials via postal mail. To print, please go to My Entries and click on the Print Entry link next to your approved entry. This will create a new browser window with your answers to the entry questions in an easy to print format.