The Dell XPS 14 and 15 sought to set the standard for Dell’s XPS portfolio through exterior changes that more adequately expressed interior performance improvements.

MINIMAL brought performance, quality, and precision to the design through minimization of part breaks, simplification of profile, and increased exterior durability.

The redesign used a single block of machined aluminum for the main housing structure as well as a display enclosure. By eliminating the amount of visible part breaks-where two sides of the structure are fused together- the exterior of the product subtly elevated the aesthetic, streamlining the overall form into a strikingly slim laptop.

To ensure protection, bonded Corning Gorilla Glass, machined aluminum, and carbon fiber were used across the high-resolution display. The design team then introduced a silicone base, which provides a cool touch, non-slip grip at the bottom of the enclosure. While a raised, soft-touch palm rest ensures continuous user comfort, a back lit keyboard allows for use in all types of lighting.

Launching to decidedly positive market reception and being awarded a 2012 IDSA IDEA Silver Award in Computer Equipment has further validated the design.