Microsoft Receives 'Design of the Year' Honor

Last year Microsoft Corp. and Design Phase Inc.
collaborated to design an advertising kiosk for
its newest next generation console, the Xbox 360.
The display was set up in various retail outlets
around the globe and even walked off with top
honors at Design of the Times 2005, a contest
judging the very best in designer displays for
retailers. Now history has repeated itself as
Microsoft and Design Phase have come away
with the same honors for Design of the Times
2006...for the same kiosk console, no less.

The contest was held during the In-Store Marketing
Expo (formerly) the P.O.P Show (Point of Purchase) in
Chicago during the last week in September at McCormick Place. More than 250 entries from over 100 companies competed for Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes. Judging for the contest was based on style and overall function, favoring displays that would predictably catch the eye of consumers without imposing too much.

Also made in association with Design Phase featuring the Xbox 360 two other displays: a 360 Endcap made exclusively for Best Buy stores, which received a Gold rating and the 'Xbox 360 Glorifiers' display (received a silver rating). The Xbox 360 Kiosk program (shown above) was awarded Gold and also won two Platinum Awards, one of which was Design of the Year.

Nintendo and Sony were both notable absences this year (at least from a gamers' perspective) despite each just being a little over a month away from debuting next generation consoles. Nintendo of America did work with Wetzel Brothers Inc. in making three displays showcasing game art for DS and Gamecube game. The display for Donkey Kong Country 3 got a less-than-stellar Bronze rating, while a Nintendogs Deluxe display and an Odama Counter Unit both got Silver acknowledgements.