Innovative Technology: Aesthetics

The article “Aesthetic of tech costing practicality” by Sharon Lu discusses the design of modern phones in comparison to older ones. She starts off by allowing the reader to imagine a time where he or she was frustrated with technology. Everyone struggles with new technology at some point. Some just have it easier than others. New technology is ubiquitous and ever changing. Apple’s iPhone had eight evolutions from the iPhone 2g, which was released in 2007. Lu claimed that people get confused with technology because it changes too quickly. “…People start to fall behind on the latest trends and get confused…”

Another important point that Lu brought up was that companies care more for aesthetics than defense capabilities. Phones were more durable back in the day but they also had limited function. Modern phones are easily prone to screen cracks and other aesthetic-related problems. “Brick phones” were much more durable but lacked the ability to perform common, important tasks, such as checking the weather or effortlessly browsing the web.

Companies are interested in making phones smaller, thinners, and filled with less buttons. The new iPhone 5s weighs less but is identical in shape. People also prefer large screens. A larger screen is necessary to enjoy games, read books, browse the web, or any other of a modern phone’s abilities. But it’s not as if this is a secret or that consumers dislike it. On the contrary, many prefer smaller, thinner, and smarter phones. Lu quoted two Baruch sophomores who both agreed, “Design was a big part.” Kevin Jung said, “I don’t really know the tech part about phones, but I really like how the new LG G2 looks.” We can see here that people are attracted by simplicity and also by technical complexity, especially if it means more functions.

Competition is growing fierce between technology companies, especially cellphone ones. The inside may be the same, so companies distinguish themselves by altering the outside. Competition forces companies to analyze trends even more to determine which products sell and why.

The new iPhone 5s has a fingerprint sensor. One needs to ask the question whether this is necessary? Are we trading durability for what may be perceived as useless features? As Lu said, “Consumers are questioning why technology is taking complicated to a whole new level.”

-George Kobakhidze