By:  Andrew Kim

Last summer, Andrew Kim decided to give Microsoft an extreme makeover. Independently, Andrew challenged himself to reinvent Microsoft’s brand in just three days. He posted the results, titled “The Next Microsoft,” on his personal website, Minimally Minimal. Having wooed recruiters with this initiative, Andrew received a job offer. This summer, he will begin designing the physical and digital assets of Xbox—as part of the Xbox Design team.

We asked Andrew why he is excited to join our design team.


Why did you decide to develop a new brand for Microsoft?

As an outside spectator, I continued to feel that something interesting was happening inside Microsoft. It's hard to make me explode with excitement but the launch of Surface, Windows Phone and Kinect did just that. But there was one thing that continued to bother me: the brand perception of Microsoft. I wanted to create a vision that removed previous connotations and accurately represented the new era for the company.

What inspired you?

The future inspires every project I do. The future helps us dream without consequences.
 
What response were you expecting?

I predicted a few reposts here and there and really expected nothing big to come out of it. Of course, every project I do is posted to seek attention but the reaction to The Next Microsoft was very surprising. It's still unsurpassed by any other work I've done.
 

As a Microsoft designer, how will you build upon this vision?


I have a number of core beliefs as a designer and I will keep and develop those. What I hope to do at Microsoft is realize the vision of being one step closer to the future. I feel the next five years will be a pivotal time for technology and it feels good to be a part of it – here.


Of all your career options, why did you choose Microsoft?
 

This is difficult to explain, but what I wrote on my blog does a good job:
 

"When it came time to make my final decision, I wanted to work at a place I can really get excited about. Working at a company is like getting married, it becomes a fundamental part of your life. I want to work with awesome people on awesome projects that I can get excited about. If you’ve been watching Microsoft over the past year, it’s been exciting, regardless of what your ecosystem preference is."


Learn more about design opportunities and other Careers at Microsoft.