simplicity/complexity

1. I think that simplicity and complexity contribute to the three different design types. I think that with Behavioral Design, the product should be very simple because that is what Behavioral design is all about. Behavioral is all about how well the product works and not as much about what the product looks like. With Visceral Design it is more likely for the product to be more complex because that is what people are more attracted to. I think that with something that is reflective it should look complex but it should be somewhat simple to understand how to use the product.

2. The most recent example that comes to mind is when I purchased my cell phone. I bought the new voyageur, which I do like, but it has many features that I simply do not need or use. First, and the main reason I purchased this phone was because it has a touch screen. This may seem sensible at first, but when I really think about it, it creates more of a problem than making things easier. I have to constantly put on screen-lock as any touch in my pocket does something unwanted. Not only this, but it also is more difficult to use than a regular keyboard. Aside from the touch screen, there are many unused features such as mobile television. I will never want or be able to pay for it. Both of these are good examples of how the features at the beginning seemed “cool” or “new” but came to be more of a problem than anything. - Jeff

When I bought my first cell phone as a freshman in high school I picked out a phone because the complexity of it made it more desirable. The screen of the phone could turn 180 degrees which, it turned out, served no real purpose; however, when I was in the store looking at phones it looked the coolest. - Kenny

I picked these two articles because they both talk about why they bought their cell phones that are complex. They both bought their cell phones based on the way they looked and not on how they actually worked. These products at the time seemed so cool and everyone wanted to get them but as Jeff says they became more of a problem. I think that a lot of people do this sort of thing, buy things before trying them out. I think in our society we go for what is the "new" and "cool" thing before we get a chance to try them out. They both found out the hard way that what looks c00l and complex is not always the best product.