[國際]NextGEN PC design competition(96/12/14)

NextGEN PC design competition

The Challenge

Influence tomorrow's digital lifestyle with your vision of the Next-Gen PC. Change the way people pursue their passions by designing the ultimate Next-Gen Windows-based PC. Give them everything they need to do what they love, easily, powerfully, and enjoyably.

Introduce the Next-Gen PC. It's your design.

How it works

The Next-Gen Design Competition is designed to spotlight the developers of innovative PC industrial designs, as well as increase awareness among consumers and businesses about the importance of industrial design and the digital lifestyle in the development of PCs. Entrants are asked to design the next generation of Windows-based PCs from hardware to software to the out of box experience.

Microsoft envisions great things for the PC, with design being a focal point of innovation. Rethink the grey box of the past, and envision the PC of the future and a machine for the truly passionate.

Competition Timeline

• August 22, 2007: Competition details announced; Entry requirements available for download.
• September 14, 2007 through December 14, 2007, 11:59 pm EST: Online entry submission is open. Entries must be submitted online by December 14th 11:59 pm EST.
• January 4, 2008 A hard copy of entry materials must be received by Microsoft by close of business day.
• January, 2008 through April, 2008: Entries will be judged and qualifying Finalists will be selected by a distinguished panel of IDSA-member judges from the International PC and industrial design community.
• February 15 - March 15, 2008: Finalist entries will be posted on www.nextgendesigncomp.com visitors will be invited to vote for their favorite entry to determine the Public's Choice Award.
• May, 2008: Winners announced and honored at the 2008 WinHEC Conference.

Who can Enter?

• Open to amateur, student and professional industrial designers who are 14 years or older at the time of entry; however residents of the following countries are ineligible to participate: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. In addition, residents of the Province of Quebec are ineligible to participate. Students do not need to be enrolled in an industrial design program to participate and can submit their entries even if the design is in research or corporately funded.
• Employees of Microsoft Corporation, IDSA and their immediate family members (sibling, child, parent, spouse or anyone living in the same household as an employee) are not eligible to enter.
• Employees of organizations and students at schools represented on the jury may not participate in the competition. Judges will be named on or around August 2008.
• Multiple people may collaborate on an entry (so long as all meet the eligibility requirements stated above), however, only a single person may submit an entry and the prize will only be awarded to that person. Microsoft and the IDSA are not responsible for any decisions regarding re-distribution of prize money within a team.
• Entries may be sponsored by corporations, but no entries may be in production during the course of the competition.

Design Theme:

Designs for practically any Windows-based PC design concept may be entered; however, challenges of manufacturability should be considered. Reinvent the entire package, from hardware to accessories to the out-of-box experience (the experience of unpacking and turning on your computer for the first time).

This year's competition focuses on designs that help people do what they feel passionate about. When it comes to music, traveling, photography, or any number of pursuits, people can spend a significant amount of time developing their skills for it. The challenge is to create a Next-Gen PC that enhances the experience through great design. Your Windows-based design can include current Windows Vista features, or new and improved features for future versions of Windows software. The goal is to more closely match what we supply with what people need to pursue their passions (and refraining from supplying what they don't need), which requires a more customized approach than the traditional general purpose PC.

Please see "Tips and Resources" for a more detailed explanation of this year's Next-Gen PC focus and what features you should consider within your design.

Judging Criteria / Judging Process

All eligible entries will be reviewed based on the criteria listed below, each to be weighted equally. Each entry will be scored on its own rating sheet based on how well it meets the criteria of design excellence described below. Those entries which in the judge's sole opinion best meet the criteria listed below will be named Finalists and posted online for public voting.

• Innovation: is the design new and unique?
• User Experience/Interaction: in what ways does the design make the PC easier to use and enhance your passion?
• Aesthetics: how does the appearance enhance the emotional appeal of the product?
• Technical ability: how is the design enhanced with new technologies?
• Windows Software : How does this design enhance or expand the users experience with Windows?
• Market viability and Manufacturability: Who does this design appeal to and what are the viable markets? Also consider manufacturability including thermal cooling, noise reduction and environmental considerations.
• Ecology: how is the design environmentally responsible?

Any Peripheral component design concepts included with an entry (e.g. Cell Phone, Digital Media Receiver, Printer, Portable Media Player, etc) will be considered during the judging process to help aid in answering the challenge statement. The judges reserve the right to disqualify and entry if in their sole opinion the design does not meet the minimum qualifications of a PC as determined by the judges (i.e. a device that has a CPU and is running Windows). The judging is blind: the designers, their names and the names of their consulting firms or schools may not appear anywhere in the entry other than the Design Credit List. Failure to abide by this rule may result in immediate disqualification.

The decisions of the judges are final and binding in all matters related to this contest. The judges reserve the right to not award a prize if in their sole opinion no entries meet the minimum standards of the criteria listed below.

Public Voting: Limit one vote per person, Microsoft® Passport Network account or IP Address. The use of any automated launching or entry software or any other mechanical or electronic means that permits the participant to automatically enter or vote repeatedly (as solely determined by Sponsor) is prohibited.

Prizes

A total of five (5) winners will be selected from among the qualified entries, as well as up to 5 honorable mentions may be chosen by the Judges:

• Judge's Award 1st – Prize $10,000 US
• Judge's Award 2nd – Prize $5,000 US
• Judge's Award 3rd – Prize $2,500 US
  Selected by a distinguished panel of IDSA-member judges from the International PC and industrial design community.
• Chairman's Award – Prize $10,000 US
  Selected by Bill Gates, Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect, with the assistance of his advisory committee.
• Public's Choice Award – Prize $2,500 US
  Selected via public vote. In the event of a tie, the judging panel will make the final determination based on the criteria set forth above.
• Educator Award
  If a student entry wins 1st or 2nd place Judge's award, or Chairman's award, the faculty advisor named in the entry will receive a $2,500 US prize, or a $2,500 US grant will be awarded to their school, in compliance with public sector gift rules.

All prize values in U.S. Dollars. Any applicable taxes on the prize or expenses not listed herein are the sole responsibility of the winner(s). Prizes may be subject to U.S. withholding taxes and non-U.S. winners may be required to complete an IRS W8-BEN. No barter, transfer, or assignment of any prize permitted, except by Sponsor at its sole discretion.

Publicity & Exposure

• Microsoft, as sponsor, will promote finalists' and winners' designs in press and industry outreach, as well as sustain the website after launch as a resource for the industry at-large and enthusiast browsing.
• Winners will be showcased online on Microsoft properties including but not limited to www.nextgendesigncomp.com, with attribution.
• At the completion of judging, the site will serve as a virtual directory of ID talent, connecting businesses with entrants who explicitly opt-in during time of submission.
• Winners will be showcased jointly by Microsoft and the IDSA at the 2008 WinHec Conference and the 2008 IDSA National Conference in Phoenix, AZ.
• Winners will be published in the Summer 2008 issue of Innovation and in IDSA's other print and web media.

Submission Process

1. Review All Entry Requirements

Please read and review all materials provided including the terms and conditions, Entry questions and Tips & Resources for additional inspiration and/or consideration.

2. Submit Online Entry

Submission will take place in two parts, online and hard copy (via mail). Both parts are necessary for your entry to be accepted. Online submissions will be open between September 14, 2007 and 11:59 pm EST, December 14, 2007. Details on online submission criteria can be found in the About the Competition section of www.nextgendesigncomp.com. An entrant may submit as many entries as they wish; however, each entry must be substantially unique. By submitting your entry, you agree that any or all of the material may be published and utilized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), Microsoft, and any other party authorized by IDSA and/or Microsoft in connection with the awards.

Designs must adhere to entry criteria and terms and conditions of this competition. Use of Microsoft and/or IDSA and/or ICSID (International Council of the Societies of Industrial Design) branding, the Microsoft Windows flag, and/or copyrighted Microsoft elements are strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.

All Entry materials must be submitted in English. The application must have been created solely by the entrant(s), and the entrant(s) must have a non-restricted right to submit it in this Competition. The entry cannot defame or invade publicity rights or privacy of any person, living or deceased, or otherwise infringe upon any person's personal or proprietary rights. Modifying, enhancing or altering a third party's pre-existing work does not qualify as entrant's original creation. Entry may not be offensive, as determined by judges in their sole discretion. Any entrant whose work includes likenesses of third parties or contains elements not owned by the entrant (such as, but not limited to depictions of buildings, trademarks or logos) must be able to provide legal releases for such use including Sponsor's use of such entry, in a form satisfactory to judges. Entries not complying with all rules are subject to disqualification.

Online Entry Checklist:

Required

• Entrant must obtain a free Microsoft .NET LiveID
• Completed Entry Questions (Online form)
• Completed Contact Information (Online form)
• One Thumbnail glamour shot image BMP or TIFF, 120px x 120px, 72dpi)
• One .zip compressed file containing up to ten (10) color or black and white photo illustrations, in BMP, TIFF or PSD format (no larger than 72dpi, 800px x600px)

Optional

• Windows Media Video (WMV) not to exceed 2 minutes and 3 MB in size. You must indicate clearly on the hard copy that there is a video in the materials.

Once your entry is submitted for review, you will receive an Entry ID number for tracking your submission. Additionally, you can track the status of your entry on www.nextgendesigncomp.com.

The names of the designers, or school or company affiliations should not appear anywhere on your illustrations or Entry Questions. The Entry ID number that you get when your submission is accepted should be used to identify your mail-in printed materials. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate disqualification.

Do not wait until December 14th to submit your entry. Please allow enough time – up to 4 to 7 business days for review of your submission. If for any reason it is declined after December 14th, you will be ineligible for consideration.

3. Await Confirmation E-Mail

You will receive a confirmation e-mail with approval status once your entry has been reviewed. Most submissions are reviewed for compliance with entry rules within 4-7 business days. If you have not received an acceptance email within 7 days, please check www.nextgendesigncomp.com for the status of your entry. Entries are not to be considered eligible for judging until 1) A confirmation email with unique entry number is received, noting that all entry kit requirements have been met and 2) CD/DVD submission of print-ready images plus hard copies of all entry materials has been received.

If your submission is declined, you will receive an e-mail detailing the eligibility requirements not met. If the deadline for online submissions has not yet passed, you may make adjustments to your entry from the My Entries page, without re-entering all of your information.

4. Hard Copy Mailing

Once a submission is approved, a confirmation email will be provided with an entry ID number and the mailing address for your hard copies via traceable courier. Do not send your material to IDSA. Mail-in material must be received by Microsoft to the address provided by January 4, 2008, 11:59 pm EST without exception or extension.

Hard Copy Checklist:

• Required
  • Place your Entry Kit ID # on the envelope of your entry, as well as on your pictures and supporting materials. This is how your design will be identified. You may include a printed paper with the ID number in your kit to ensure readability.
  • Printout of Completed Entry Questions (in English language)
  • Printout of One Thumbnail glamour shot image
  • Printout of up to ten (10) color or black and white photo illustrations
  • CD containing
    • One Thumbnail glamour shot image (no less than 300 dpi at 24" x 24")
    • Up to ten (10) color or black and white photo illustrations (no less than 300 dpi at 24" x 24")
• Optional
  • Printout of One-page research summary attached to Entry questions.
  • CD may also include:
    • Windows Media Video (WMV) not to exceed 2 minutes and 3 MB in size; NOTE: You must indicate clearly on the hard copy that there is a video in the materials.

You must submit your entry online between September 14, 2007 and 11:59 pm EST, December 14, 2007, followed up with print and supplemental materials mailed to the Microsoft address specified in your submission approval email by January 4, 2008 at 11:59 pm EST. Please factor this deadline into your submission. Both online and mail-in materials must be provided. The hard copy materials must be exactly the same as the online materials, and must indicate clearly if there is a video in the materials. No registration fee is required.

Please make sure to put your entry kit number on your pictures and supporting material and be sure not to include your name or your design firm's name anywhere . No physical models will be accepted.

General Conditions

The laws of the State of Washington in the United States govern this Competition. All federal, provincial, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Potential winners may be required to execute and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability Release and where legal, Publicity Release, within 14 days following the date of issuance of notification. Non-compliance within this time period or return of any prize/prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Microsoft Corporation, IDSA and their agents to use winner's name and likeness for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation unless prohibited by law. By entering, participants release and hold harmless Microsoft Corporation and its respective subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotions agencies, prize suppliers, and all of their employees, officers, directors, shareholder's and agents from any and all liability or any injuries, loss or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with this Competition, the use of any entry, or the acceptance or use of any prize won.

RIGHTS TO USE ENTRIES / RESIDUALS CLAUSE

By entering this Contest, you are granting to Microsoft an irrevocable, royalty free, fully paid up, worldwide license to use, review, assess, test and otherwise analyze your entry and all its content in connection with the Contest. You're also giving Microsoft permission to feature your entry and any associated materials, and any medium including, but not limited to, website, television, radio and/or printed materials to promote this Contest and Microsoft products.

Further, you understand that Microsoft cannot control the incoming information you will disclose to our representatives in the course of entering, or what our representatives will remember about your entry. You also understand that Microsoft will not restrict work assignments of representatives who have had access to your entry. By entering this Contest, you agree that use of information in our representatives' unaided memories in the development or deployment of Microsoft products or services does not create liability for Microsoft under this agreement or trade secret law. You will not receive any compensation or credit for use of your entry, other than what is described in these Official Rules.

Other than what is set forth above, Microsoft is not claiming any license or ownership rights to your entry.

Microsoft retains an exclusive first right of refusal on acquisition of any of the resulting designs submitted into the competition at negotiated rate. Should Microsoft or related party wish to acquire the rights to produce or otherwise utilize a design beyond the immediate scope of the Competition, those involved in the direct results of the work agree to assign all rights, including patent rights, in the work to Microsoft or the related party for compensation at a level comparable to a normal professional fee. IDSA shall not be involved in any dispute and shall be held harmless and free of any liability in any dispute regarding intellectual property rights or compensation or payment for any professional competition or program that it endorses.

The Applications or any part of the Entry must not be, in whole or in part, governed by an Excluded License. An Excluded License is any license that requires, as a condition of use, modification and/or distribution of software subject to the Excluded License, that such software and/or other software combined and/or distributed with such software be (a) disclosed or distributed in source code form; (b) licensed for the purpose of making derivative works; or (c) redistributable at no charge. Permission is also granted for Sponsor to promote winning entries in perpetuity in any medium it may see fit including, but not limited to, website, television, radio and/or printed materials. Entrants shall not receive any compensation or credit for use of entries, other than that disclosed in these rules. Entrants agree to be bound by the terms of these conditions.

PUBLIC VOTING FOR ENTRIES:

The use of any automated launching or entry software or any other mechanical or electronic means that permits the participant to automatically enter or vote repeatedly (as solely determined by Sponsor) is prohibited. If for any reason this contest is not capable of running as planned due to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, uploads of malicious files or viruses, or any other causes beyond the control of Microsoft Corporation which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, Microsoft Corporation reserves the right at its sole discretion, to disqualify any entry or any individual who tampers with the entry or voting process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest and select winners using all eligible, non-suspect entries and/or votes received as of the date of termination. Microsoft assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. Microsoft is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or telephone lines, computer on-line systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any e-mail or entry to be received on account of technical problems, human error or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any Web site, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participant's or any other person's computer relating to or resulting from participation in this contest or downloading any materials in this Contest. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, MICROSOFT CORPORATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES OR OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON (S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

• Next Generation PC Design