Blog What appropriate techology folks can learn from Apple (and what they can learn from us)
by Catherine LaineJune 14th, 2007
In the run-up to the June 29th release of Apple’s iPhone, I thought it would be worth mentioning what designers and implementers of appropriate technology could learn from these masters of innovation.
According to this week’s Economist magazine:
Apple illustrates the importance of designing new products around the needs of the user, not the demands of the technology [Emphasis added]. Too many technology firms think that clever innards are enough to sell their products, resulting in gizmos designed by engineers for engineers. Apple has consistently combined clever technology with simplicity and ease of use… [T]oo few technology firms see “ease of use” as an end in itself.
Aah,so true. There are quite a few technologies that only an engineer could love kicking around out there.
Easily Repairable, Affordable, Environmentally Sound
On the flip side, Apple has a lot to learn from appropriate tech practitioners. While their designs are lurvely, Apple’s products are rather poor when judged by the metrics of being easily repairable, affordable and environmentally sound, 3 of the characteristics that typify an appropriate technology.
The company loses serious points for not making devices that can be easily upgraded or repaired. Those iPod batteries are impossible to get to and often wear out after a year, rendering the device useless except for the most determined owners. In their “10 things we hate about Apple” piece, PC World laments that upgrading a MacPro pretty much requires shelling out $2200 for a new machine, while improving a workable PC requires buying a few extra parts. Did I mention that $2200 price tag?
We’re not impressed with the company’s planned/technological obsolescence strategies. In an interview with NBC’s Brian Williams, Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs says “If you always want the latest and greatest, then you have to buy a new iPod at least once a year.” Gasp. Given the tide - strike that tsunami - of toxic e-waste hitting developing countries, I find this stance to be… tacky. Luckily, through public shaming by Greenpeace and others, Apple is finally moving onto the environmentally sound(er) bandwagon. Stevo announced that they are going to phase out their nastiest chemicals (Brominated Fire Retardants (BFRs) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)) by 2008. This is a great step, but we’re still waiting on worldwide takeback and recycling.
It would be nice if Apple pushed a cell phone recycling program to go with the release of the iPhone. Maybe give folks a li’l discount if they brought in an old mobile… Wouldn’t that be sweet? Sigh. I can dream, can’t I?
While I dig the design of the iPod Nano, overall Apple’s version of small isn’t so beautiful.
