Considering how form and content must interact in order to achieve “Design,” how has the iPod done this? As mentioned in the film, Objectified, the age of technology seems to be the point in which the inherent connection between form and content seems to divide. How can one infer function from an iPhone, a DVD Player, or an X-Box. Does this mean design with function in mind is no longer necessary?
The Apple IPod does achieve “Design” and does so by making physical function an equal partner with digital function. The original white iPod with the click wheel has become an iconic image for portable music player. It was simple and recognizable. It took use of simple geometric shape that everyone knew and created a context for it. The gray wheel, white body and black screen have become instantly recognizable. Not only did it look elegant, it took into account the technology. The design took little space and increased efficiency. The designer/engineer reinvented the wheel and made it another tool to move around with, this time in the digital world. The iPod almost completely eliminated buttons and relied solely on the natural behavior of the hand. All the digital actions the scroll wheel makes seems to be analogs of the maneuvers itself.
Although the iPod does not directly communicate form with content, it has created an innovation that made this particular form and content existent. Now almost all music player use this form and in doing, creates a form and content interaction which was originated by the Apple Ipod.
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