Microsoft's improvement strategy for Windows 8: Think like Apple!

According to reportedly super-secret documents discovered in a PowerPoint presentation, Microsoft's answer to Windows 7 failings is to be more like a Mac. No kidding. Could it be that Redmond has been deconstructing Apple's new "Why you'll love a Mac" advertising campaign? Then again, maybe not.

The slide in question describes the "Virtuous Cycle," a well-known economic term that describes a positive feedback loop. You may remember it being used in relation to signs of hoped-for recovery from the current recession. One good thing leads to another and the cycle repeats itself.

In the reported Windows 8 slide, there's an illustration of the loop with the following points in order:

-Brand Promise, -UX is low in friction, -Confidence in ability to use, -Realized value, -High satisfaction, which leads to Brand Promise all over again.

The bullet points expand on the illustration:

-Apple brand is known for high quality, uncomplicated, "It just works." -Product UX is designed to hlp people realize value. -Realized value leads to product satisfaction, which in turn feeds brand loyalty. -This is something people will pay for.

Keep trying guys! One of these years you'll figure it out. Or not.