So how did Microsoft finally settle on the look and style of the new XBox 360? The Seattle Times has an article detailing the more than 2 years that went into the design of Microsofts next-generation console.

So Microsoft did what a company with $38 billion in the bank can do. It poured money into the effort, flying around the world to interview consumers about their tastes and hiring a cadre of design and engineering firms.

The XBox team first contacted about a dozen design firms, finally narrowing it down to 2. A firm in San Francisco created the initial concept, and a company in Japan refined it. Apparently, Microsoft is really wanting to win the approval of Japanese gamers with this system. The original XBox only sold about 1.7 million units there.

A suprising statement pops up in the article.

When people there were asked what company might have made the console, they guessed Sony or Apple. That thrilled Microsoft executives.

At any rate, it is an interesting look into the process of designing the console

Via Greg