Blog | Status Updates | About | Contact | Advertise

June 25, 2009 / Filed under: Apple, Design, iPhone

If you're wondering why the iPhone is so popular, considering that Apple has only been in the "cell phone market" for two years, it's because Apple is the only "design" company making phones. They are interface experts, and that carries into the experience using a phone. While other carriers try to pack in as many features as possible, and make the hardware look as "shiny" and impressive as an iPhone, then tack on "design" and "experience" as an after-thought, Apple puts design and experience at the forefront. Other carriers are missing the point entirely. It's not about how it looks - it's how it works. Only Apple seems to understand that, and make that their main priority.

The attention to detail on an iPhone is astounding. You just have to look closely.

Things like the anti-smudge touch screen, smooth and natural finger gestures, and how it feels in your hand. Even Apple's own iPhone accessories are well-designed - the included headphones/speaker are wonderful, with intelligent design elements such as:

• Headphone ear plugs that are specifically contoured for the left and right ear canals.
• Anti-tangle clip which connects both the left and right wires and let's you slide it upward to keep the wires from wrapping around each other in a spiral fashion.
• The control buttons and speaker on the right-side wire itself: controls many aspects of the iPhone OS, including iPod volume and track navigation, and acts as a phone speaker with excellent wind block.

Instead of cramming in features with poorly designed user interfaces, Apple focuses on design, aesthetics, attention to detail, and simplicity.

Apple has flipped the mobile phone industry on it's backs by simply focusing on user experience. People complain about lack of MMS, or argue that the iPhone "should support this," or "should support that." Apple doesn't care what you think a phone should feature. They only care about providing the best overall experience when using their device. Sure, they listen to customers, and eventually start supporting things people are demanding, but they only do it when they're good and ready. This means they have to be absolutely, 100% positive that a new feature does not take away from the overall excellent experience. This takes much time and testing.

I don't mean to suggest that Apple is perfect, and their products flawless. Trust me, they're far from it. But at least they're facing the right direction. And unless they deviate from that direction, I will be a customer for life.