I know this is going on three years old, but I had to watch it again as I was pondering Apple’s wonderful package design, and the “unboxing” phenomenon. (if you can’t see the YouTube video, just Googlevideo search “Microsoft iPod Package”)

As everyone knows, simplicity rules at Apple - both in the store, and in the package designs themselves. But it’s not just the graphic design. Every Apple product is so wonderfully nestled in it’s soft matte bed, you feel like you’re unwrapping and picking up a newborn child. Okay, that’s a stretch. I’ve had the pleasure of unboxing dozens of Apple products (including 2 iPhones, 2 Macbooks, an iSight camera and countless Macs). Engadget posts several unboxing experiences for our viewing pleasure.

But I’m blathering…

As reported by the iPod Observer, this video was created, ironically, by the design team at Microsoft. It’s timeless because it reinforces what good design is. As many of us designers know, we often have to teach  our clients who want every feature of their product listed on the package. In bold italic underlined. With a drop shadow and glow.

Your opinion?