GeekWire Innovation at Microsoft: Success, struggles, and lessons learned
Feb 18, 2025
Dean Carignan, co-author of "The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft," shares invaluable insights from his work on AI in the company’s chief scientist office. He discusses the transformational journey of Xbox following its rocky launch and the importance of the BXT framework, which balances business, user experience, and technology. Carignan also highlights vital lessons learned from Microsoft's history, including the need for adaptability and the role of community in innovation, showcasing how setbacks paved the way for future successes.
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Xbox One Launch and Turnaround
- In 2013, Xbox One's $499 price received a shocked murmur from the crowd.
- Two years later, the announcement of backward compatibility drew wild cheers.
BXT Framework
- The Xbox One's initial failure stemmed from a misalignment in the Business, Experience, and Technology (BXT) framework.
- Focusing too much on technology and business at the expense of user experience led to the mislaunch.
Microsoft's Fast Follower Stereotype
- Microsoft, despite being successful, is often stereotyped as a fast follower.
- This stereotype overlooks the company's ability to learn from mistakes and adapt, as seen with Bing.
