Microsoft Design Cases
31 cases across 15 studios
Designers behind the work
Designers and creative leads credited on Microsoft projects in press coverage.
News & interviews
- The top 15 illustrators of 2026, as chosen by the community
Creative Boom · Apr 16, 2026
Creative Boom’s 2026 community poll highlights 15 illustrators shaping the global illustration scene, emphasizing originality and human touch in an AI-saturated era. The list spans established names like Noma Bar and Malika Favre to emerging talents such as Anna Micheloni and Genie Espinosa. The article celebrates craftsmanship, individuality, and the enduring commercial relevance of distinctive illustration.
The New YorkerThe Guardianillustration - Hugh Miller Joins Pentagram, Emphasizes Subtlety in Design
It's Nice That · Sep 3, 2025
The article profiles Hugh Miller as he joins Pentagram London as a new partner. It explores his design philosophy, career path through studios like Bond and Spin, and his belief in subtle, craft-driven design. Fellow designers praise his typographic sensitivity and thoughtful approach to both corporate and cultural projects.
- Hugh Miller Appointed as Pentagram London Partner
Creative Boom · Sep 2, 2025
Creative Boom reports that Hugh Miller has joined Pentagram London as a new partner. With a career spanning Ford, Microsoft, BOND, and Spin, Miller is known for his typographic precision and cross-sector design expertise. The move coincides with Pentagram London’s relocation to a new Islington studio, marking a new chapter for both Miller and the firm.
- Koto Unveils Platform Breaking Design Education Barriers
The Brand Identity · Aug 14, 2025 · Interview
The Brand Identity interviews Koto’s London team about Seasoned, a free educational platform designed to make branding knowledge more accessible. Developed during lockdown, the project uses a cooking metaphor to teach design principles through interactive eBooks and digital experiences. The initiative reflects Koto’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and lowering barriers to entry in the creative industry.
- Cannes Lions 2025 Opens Doors for Indie Creatives and Diverse Opportunities
Creative Boom · Jun 23, 2025
Creative Boom’s feature on Cannes Lions 2025 highlights a noticeable shift toward inclusivity, with more independent studios, freelancers, and creators attending the festival. The introduction of new pass types like the Start-up and Creator Pass has made the event more accessible. The article emphasizes the growing presence of small studios and creative collaborations with major brands such as Adobe and Pinterest.
- Ashleigh Hansberger: Treat Brand as Leadership, Not Just Marketing
The Brand Identity · Jun 2, 2025 · Interview
The Brand Identity interviews Motto® Co-founder and COO Ashleigh Hansberger about the studio’s 20-year journey and its philosophy that brand should function as a leadership tool rather than a marketing exercise. Hansberger discusses how aligning brand and culture can drive clarity, cohesion, and growth, sharing insights from Motto®’s transformative rebrand for Goodnotes. The conversation explores leadership, strategy, and the evolving role of brand in shaping company direction.
- Koto Unveils Microsoft's 50th Anniversary Identity Celebrating Legacy and Future
Creative Boom · Apr 8, 2025
Creative Boom reports on Koto’s new brand identity for Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, celebrating the company’s legacy and innovation. The campaign, themed 'Change Needs Makers', connects Microsoft’s past, present, and future through dynamic visuals, storytelling frameworks, and a refreshed logo inspired by the original Windows design. The work highlights Koto’s ability to balance nostalgia with forward-thinking design for a global tech brand.
- "Multidisciplinary Approach Boosts Designers: Spotlight on Zitong Zhao"
The Brand Identity · Mar 12, 2025 · Interview
The Brand Identity interviews Beijing-born, Brooklyn-based designer and art director Zitong Zhao about her multidisciplinary career spanning studios, agencies, and major brands. Zhao discusses her independent projects like #dobservations and her new creative label pioklepiokle, emphasizing authenticity, curiosity, and the value of being a generalist. The conversation explores her creative process, lessons from industry giants, and her philosophy on slowing down in a fast-paced world.
- Lorena Manhães Crafts Stories Through Flexible Visual Systems
It's Nice That · Jan 20, 2025
The article profiles Brazilian-born, Barcelona-based designer Lorena Manhães, exploring how her editorial background informs her approach to branding and art direction. She collaborates with studios like Clasebcn and Atipus on projects for clients such as Microsoft and Arper, while also pursuing self-initiated cultural work like her project Tatuí. Her design philosophy emphasizes flexible visual systems that tell rhythmic, narrative-driven stories.
- Exploring the Decline of Brand Mascots in 2024
It's Nice That · Dec 17, 2024
The article explores the decline of brand mascots in contemporary branding, examining why companies are moving toward minimalist and abstract identities. Through insights from designers at Frontify, Studio Lob, and Cherry Bomb, it discusses how mascots can still offer emotional connection and memorability when used thoughtfully. The piece reflects on cultural shifts, digital constraints, and the risks and rewards of character-led branding.
FrontifyStudio LobCherry BombNonna’s PizzaJaguareditorial