Of I-Clone drones…

How do we create something thats original? Or is originality overrated? When everything has been done before and the ‘Classical’ died the second it was born (and didnt believe in Rebirth). In such a World, how does one go about the process of creating something new? I think this is fascinating to discuss.

Thanks for the (much needed) rant Mikko! To describe the irony of the correctness of your words – I wrote a 500 word reply before my Mac hung on me and I had to restart. :)

Before I begin mine, I’d like to point out that my posting the earlier article on ‘why Apple doesnt do conceptual projects’ was not an endorsement of Apple or its philosophies in any way. I’m glad it provoked a response like it did from you. I hope it provokes more thought from others.

We are working in a World (especially in the US) where everyone seems smitten by the iPhone. The ‘iTune-ness’ and ‘cover-flowness’ of things leaves me sickened at times. Consumers are usually willing to cuddle the well oiled, muscled champion without actually realizing that ‘The Champ’ was just a series of non-design related factors that led to Apple’s success today. Steve Jobs, Marketing, hard work and more marketing. Oh and lets not forget the ‘best designer in the World’ (acc. to Red Dot) – Jonathan Ive himself. There are valuable lessons to be learnt from Apple’s success. Originality is definitely NOT one of them. 

Most of the design language of Jonathan Ive is completely ‘inspired’ by the work of Dieter Rahms (refer to pictures above), and in terms of its interaction design – none of them were done by Apple originally. The touch screen, accelerometer-induced image viewers, the gestures that the iPhone and the ‘App-store’ are just very smart and efficiently synthesized experiences created by others. They did it first and did it better than the rest.

In conclusion, Apple is but the lesser of two evils, and I believe that as young and aspiring designers, We must try our best to ensure that we do NOT go down the path that has already been taken. There’s an old saying which goes – “Work to find out who your idols are, and then work harder to have the ability to overthrow them”.

I’m a Mac-user and I have no qualms in admitting its not the ideal experience. I’d like for someone to discover something new and different – something that really works! 

Until then… I’ll still buy the iPhone! Desire – it’s a strange thing.