[IxDA Discuss] Usability as Feature

[pauric]

Lets agree to disagree on the thickness of the hair (o;

Are you saying the desire we currently have to get our hands on an iPhone
started on a designers desk? That the 'buzz' which feeds desire is an aspect
of design? Or when Sir Alec Issigonis sketched the first Mini back in '59 he
had any idea it would be a desirable vehicle in the following century?  And
given that car was borne out of practical need, and very much less so these
days do you still agree there's a hairs gap between needs and experience?
function and desire?

If the relationship between function and desire is variable while the design
is constant*, I propose the link is less than you suggest.

I would disagree that desire is another need.  We recognize our own needs,
they are our personal requirements and as such a quantifiable design
element.  To some extent we are slaves to our desires, they rise up from our
subconscious and make us do irrational things like throw away perfectly
working mobile phones every 18 months.

I dont doubt you have a very good handle on the black art of creating
desire.  But it is just that, 'created' not designed.  I desire art, it has
no function it cannot be designed.  Apple has a good track record of making
products that border on being works of art.

*(bar the upgrade by bmw, safety. I still prefer the older model, its was
much more fun to drive)