Lab+1

1. Compare and contrast a Sony Walkman, a Discman, and an Apple iPod, and describe the differences in their product and interface design, as well as how they deliver music technically.
 * Question #1:**



Answer:

The physicality of the devices differ. The Sony Walkman and Discman are very bulky whereas the iPod is sleek, slim and has a delicate feel to it. The manufacturing of the buttons between the Walkman and the Discman are again bulky and erected, however, the iPod has a sleek addicting scroll wheel and at first glance can be mistaken for not having its 'light as feather' touch of a button. The iPod with its white minimal earphones offer a professional look to its users.

Regarding the interface design, the Walkman seems not to have one. During my early stages of childhood, upon using this device, I recall having to read the cassette or its packaging to determine the song and its order that it goes in. I would spend minutes fast forwarding/rewinding to the desired choice of song. The Discman 'one ups' the Discman as its screen is indicative to the song name and cuts the time in half by rewinding/fast forwarding with the touch of a button. The iPod, the holy grail, is a more advanced system as it can hold more songs than any of the devices. Walkman/Discman users can only listen to an artists's album, if they chose to listen to something else they must change the casette/cd. IPod users have the choice of selecting any song any time.

The sound delivery of the three devices are overall similar depending on the quality of the cassette/cd. If users chose to buy cassettes/cds instead of pirating music, they will gain the best of what the artist has to offer. However, users are unable to rely on them fully, in fear of the plastic tape on the cassette destroyed or the cd scratched accidentally. There has been flaws with the cassette resulting in pitch that was too low or too high frustrating professionals and at home users. When downloading songs on the iPod, the user is guaranteed the best quality and has the choice of re-downloading if need be.

**Question #2:**

If you were to build a web site dividing the characteristics of these devices into categories for a web site, what category titles would you use? List 6 categories which would be in your navigation bar.

__ Categories: __ Design Usability Quality Sound Feedback Constraints

Review the Tutorial 1 movies, and describe Jonathan Ives and his theory of 'undesign' in relation to his work at Macintosh. (200 words)
 * Question #3:**

Joining Apple in 1992, innovator Jonathan Ives, has managed to influence the lives of millions of people. His theory of 'undesign' is implemented to his design approach at Apple. Ives believe in making simple products that are accessible to use and not intimidating. The creative process by which thoughtfully designing the physical components such as the iMac computer that was translucent and gum drop color to help set it apart; the team sought to experiment with different various plastics. Determining the necessities of a product can help set apart what is not. As perfectionists and by having special attention to detail, Ives designs are based on rational understanding and reason. Ives and his team created products that were designed to be simple, pure and uncluttered allowing for user-friendliness and efficiency. This methodology allows for Apple products to come as a sort of second nature to its users, telling them it is made this way because it is the most logical way. This approach maintains as the core design principle at Apple and is the reason for their loyal and returning clientèle.