Yes, Windows 8. And no, Microsoft is not rushing to wear out the Windows 8 moniker just yet. An understandable strategy since Windows 7 is close to RTM with preparations in full swing for the October 22nd, 2009 global launch. The last thing that Microsoft wants customers to talk about is Windows 8, especially at a time like this.

This is not to say that the company is not already planning the successor of Windows 7. You know what they should say: when one Windows end another begins. And make no mistake about it, references such as the next generation of the Windows operating system and the vision for the future Windows user experience are references to Windows 8.

UX Designer 2

Job Category: Software Engineering: Product Planning
Location: United States, WA, Redmond
Job ID: 253782 5084
Product: Windows
Division: Windows Division

Ok, so you’re not the geeky, pudgy PC guy with glasses but you’re probably just as charming. We like geeks. Design geeks. Those insufferable designers who love to tinker under the hood or masterfully orchestrate a screen full of pixels. We like hard workers too. The ones who don’t chicken out on hard problems. And now that you’ve jumped around with random startups for a few years, put up with bad management and amassed a pile of portfolio fodder that will never see the light of day, isn’t it time for a real job? The kind where you can actually work on things that really make a difference in the world. That is why you went into design in the first place, isn’t it? Remember all that altruistic design mumbo jumbo about changing the world? Well, get on it with it. Change the world, by changing the software that fuels the world – Windows. Yep, Microsoft. The Windows Design team (yes there is one, smarty pants) is already made up of a bunch of design geeks and we want more. Lots more. Interaction designers, visual designers, motion graphics folks and even those creative wonders that defy classification. You know, design geeks. The ones that think hanging out with the PC guy is probably more fun than that other dude.

The Microsoft Windows User Experience team is seeking exceptional senior interaction designers to make the personal computer more powerful, engaging, and rewarding to use. This is an opportunity to reinvent how people interact with computers, to turn new technology into positive user experiences, and to deliver a product that reaches millions of customers. If you are inspired by these plans, then this is the team for you.

As a User Experience Designer, you will work alongside some of the world’s most talented product designers, usability specialists, and software developers to build the next generation of the Windows operating system. You will help set the vision for the future Windows user experience, serving as a user advocate to ensure the highest level of usability, desirability and customer satisfaction. You will research, design, and prototype product experiences that meet demanding quality standards, and you will drive your work through the software development process. You will collaborate with teams across the company to ensure we maintain industry leadership, delivering innovative, exciting and emotionally engaging products.

Candidates should have outstanding skills in designing interaction and visuals for software or the web. We require a proven ability to articulate ideas through high fidelity prototypes. You should be an excellent communicator and presenter, and show experience applying user research throughout the design process. Qualifications include a 4-year degree in industrial design, interaction design, or related field, plus 3-5 years of industry experience developing software products for large markets. Expert knowledge of major multimedia, design, and operating system software (Photoshop, Flash or Director, Windows, Office) is expected.