XBOX 360 Snags Good Design Award

Every year, Japan grants the Good Design Award to well-designed products (as deemed by the judges of course) across different industries, and this year, the little gold goodie goes to Microsoft for the sleek design of the Xbox 360.

According to the judges, the 360's "simple, curved design contrasts starkly with the major processing power inside the machine, and gives a refined look that can be coordinated with any interior."

The major points of the 360's physicality that won the judges over were the console's concave bodyline, removable faceplate, and the wireless controller and ring design -- all thanks to the international design process that the 360 went through.

A bit of info about this design process: the console was designed by Hers Experimental design lab in Japan headed by Mr. Chiaki Murata, and then further developed in Astro Studio in the U.S. under the direction of Microsoft's Jonathan Hayes. By making the console undergo design changes both in Japan and U.S., Microsoft was able to ensure that the design will appeal not only to U.S. and Japanese users, but to people across the globe as well.

Past recipients of the award in the game industry are Sony's PS2 and PSP, and Nintendo's DS Lite and Game Boy micro. Now, Microsoft gets to take one home too so we guess this kinda levels the playing field a bit -- in terms of console design and Japan's approval at least. The ceremony will be held October 25th.