The longterm goal of the iPad

Apple doesn’t intend to replace the laptop. It’s meant to be a new hybrid computer product that appeals to someone who doesn’t need a traditional operating system, with menus to search through to find commands, just to get done 90% of what we all do with a computer. Windows XP/Vista/7 tablets have all been the computer equivalent of a Gamecube game with Wii waggle tacked on, and not developed for motion controls. Most early Wii games were gimmicky, not fully-realized motion/pointer controlled. Apple is applying a few new approaches to... Read full article →

“Just make it look pretty”

I hear this a lot when others describe what designers do, and I think it would be wise for the design community to actively change the perception of the value that we offer. The context of that description makes design a “nice to have” option for businesses to consider, but also presents design as something that’s not critical to the sales, quality, and functionality of their product. It’s interesting that we have to struggle to justify our existence to many business people who don’t value what we offer, or refute... Read full article →