Most of the time, when we buy some new piece of technology, we brace for a bit of a learning curve. Most of the time it is apparent that the proliferation of "function as quantity" overshadows both design and "user friendliness"
...enter Mac.
Mac has been able to succeed in the market (winning even my own heart) due to its ability to listen to people and make products that are stylish, relevant, and easy to use. In an age where visual communication has conquered the written, it was inevitable that someone was going to produce a line of products navigable by the use of pictures and icons. Despite the high cost of owning their products, I have come to both believe in and trust Mr. Jobs. In fact, I might even go so far as to call him a friend. This being said, I experienced a twitter of doubt last week when Apple unveiled its new "shuffle." Small, sleek, and stylish it is...but functional? I just don't know. Sometimes the pendulum swings hard back to the other direction. It seems to me like design has now managed to conquer function. When something as simple as a music player ceases to have any buttons whatsoever, relying on special headphones in order to work, user friendliness suddenly becomes user complexity. It may look and seem simple from the video link below....but I am not so sure. Making one into two...well, a house divide upon itself cannot stand! Besides, I hate ear buds. I must have mishapen ear holes, because all they want to do is fall out.
I know, I know.. "If I don't like the product, I don't have to buy it."
I am just a bit concerned that this shuffle could become an "apple indicator species." - like frogs and acid rain, or soft shelled eggs and D.D.T.
Perhaps I am overreacting....I hope I am overreacting.
I suddenly feel the need to write a letter...
Check out
this link and decide for yourself.
Perhaps the onion was not so far off when they created the commercial for the
Mac Wheel
