Welcome to the Garage: Microsoft's after-hours idea factory

Near the also-crowded kegerator, designed into the center of the room by the architect, is Ken Nichols, a bearded man in a bowler hat wearing steampunk goggles around his neck. He's showing off the Magic the Gathering coasters he etched in The Garage's maker space. In the opposite corner is Melissa Quintanilha, a user experience designer and DJ with fuchsia-streaked hair, spinning the hits. Sam Trim, also a DJ and electronic music enthusiast, nods his head and taps his foot.