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It is widely known that every console manufacturer starts to work in next generation hardware the moment their current hardware is launched. Apparently, Microsoft is in that cycle again.

Some days ago, the company posted a job offer looking for an Industrial Designer.  The original job offer posted had this text on it:

Industrial Designer – Microsoft Devices Group – Xbox Industrial Design (881677)

The Xbox Industrial Design studio is building a world class in house team. We love entertainment. We live for building transformative entertainment experiences that resonate with consumers. We are looking for passionate designers who want to help us create next generation entertainment hardware for Microsoft.

Primary Responsibilities
This is a design position within the Xbox industrial design studio. You will be joining a team that drives vision and product development for Xbox hardware programs. The right candidate will be a “hands on” individual contributor that will bring thought leadership, inspirational creative output, and passion to the Xbox entertainment space. In essence, this position requires nothing less than a “super creator”.

As an industrial designer you will collaborate with design team and bring inventive ideas which will have large impact across the Xbox Entertainment Business.

We expect a spontaneous and innovative creative process that takes advantage of consumer insight harvesting, inspiration way-finding, 3d sketching, prototyping, thoughtful consideration
of business needs, and understanding of technical considerations. Above all the candidate should have a portfolio that demonstrates the ability to design soulful product experiences that delight consumers.

Requirements
• 1-5 years of experience in product design
• 1-5 years of industrial design experience working for a top tier design team or organization required.
• All-star designer in storytelling, form giving, sketching, 3d modeling, color, material, and finish.
• Proven track record delivering award winning design.
• Exemplary communication and presentation skills.
• Intrinsic passion for seamless hardware/software experiences.
• Ability to collaborate with design, development, and executive management teams.
• Proficiency in creative tools such as Adobe CS5, Keyshot.
• Proficient in 3D applications (Alias, Rhino, Solidworks, or Pro/E)
• Education requirements include BA/BS or Master’s Degree in industrial design
• Willing to travel overseas 10-15 percent.

If you check the job offer now (the same ID and same url), you will notice some changes compared with the original one posted above. Microsoft have updated the text deleting all the references to the next generation hardware. Now it reads:

Join the world class, in house Xbox Industrial Design studio. We love entertainment and live for building transformative experiences that resonate with consumers. We are looking for passionate designers to help create new Devices and experiences for Microsoft.

There could be multiple reasons for the changes in the job offer. For instance, the original text was misleading and Microsoft isn’t yet planning its next generation hardware, or they want to keep their plans a little more under wraps.

At least one thing is clear, the new “Super Creator” will work on “new devices and experiences for Microsoft“. Maybe this is an early way to describe the next Xbox.

Thanks, DualShockers.