This year’s competition is looking for Next-Gen PCs that help users do what they love to do better, either by enhancing the overall experience or by helping users complete frustrating, but necessary 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. The goal of this year’s competition is to match what the PC industry supply 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.
The following is a non-comprehensive list of potential audiences and focus areas:
- Photographers, designers, and fine artists who need exceptional graphics and printing resolution with flawless color-matching; high-end editing and content management applications; processor performance for modeling objects; seamless integration with devices such as cameras and video cameras.
- Business and leisure travelers who need a way to navigate, stay connected, and be entertained, along with the ability to create and experience digital media on their trips.
- Musicians and filmmakers who need high-end editing and content management applications; processor performance for music software; large amounts of disk space; powerful yet portable and durable PCs; seamless integration with devices such as keyboards and soundboards.
- Small businesses that need a complete set of category-specific solutions to help them save time, stay organized, and manage business.
- Educators and students who need technology aimed at improving the classroom experience and/or aimed at improving students’ lifestyles and activities.
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?
This is the first year that the Next-Gen PC Design Competition is looking at both software and hardware as part of the PC design. PC designs will be judged based on the entire PC experience. There are no limitations as to how far in the future the PC should be designed for. Designs can be conceptual, but should be an evolution of current technology and Windows software. Entrants are welcome to submit a design that is based on a technology or a version of Windows that doesn’t yet exist; 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 passion easier)
- Out-of-box experience (the experience of unpacking and turning on the computer for the first time)
- Accessories (add-on hardware and peripherals that add to the overall effectiveness of the PC)
Entrants are allowed up to ten (10) color or black-and-white photo illustrations per entry. Entry question answers help provide a background, but your illustrations are the strongest visual representation of your design. Let your illustrations tell a story by beginning with the general concept and design, and then allow each additional illustration to elaborate on the design, showing the specific features, setup, and user experience.