Post-Presentation

The concept of simplicity and complexity contributes to the three levels of design in various ways. They are linked directly to the way a consumer views the product. A product may be naturally attractive to someone on the terms of how simple or how complex it is. For example, if a child was to see a white ball and then see a multi-colored ball, the child, nine times out of ten will go for the multi-colored ball due to the variety of colors. His/her mind is drawn to the complexity. Behavioral Design works the same way. The simplicity of a product may draw in an elderly, less experienced user, while it may turn away a younger, more experienced consumer. It is vice versa for complexity. For example, today's generation is all about cell phones. When they came out, they were only used to make calls and maybe text message. As the years advanced, so did the technology. Now, users are able to make phone calls, send text/picture messages, watch mobile television, play video games, browse the internet, record videos, hold walkie-talkie conversations, etc; Those new and complex functions are necessities to some, while more confusion for others. Reflective is basically the combination of those two. Consumers may feel superior, or want others to view as high classed with certain products. The class touched upon the topic in the discussion about fabric quality, where Gucci t-shirts are horrible in design, but costs $150 due to the prestige. In comparison, some people might prefer Hanes t-shirts because they are of better texture and cheaper cost. To sum it up, complexity and simplicity control the three levels of design.

"This article illustrates many elements of design including ease of use. There had been other MP3 players made but most of them were difficult to navigate through many of the songs. The iPod had as few buttons as possible to assist with ease of use as well. The actually style of the iPod is very aesthetically pleasing with its clean and crisp appearance. The iPod was also made somewhat affordable with pieces used to make it being relatively inexpensive. The shape was very carefully thought out making sure it would fit in a pocket and was relatively lightweight. The iPod showed the element of innovation by making a product that filled a new niche. The element of durability was also tested with a drop test. " - Liz

"At the risk of sounding obsessed, the one product that stands out to me for all of these design categories is Apple's iPod. On a Visceral level, the iPod is essentially, pretty. It looks and feels nice, and it' s something that feels nice and is visually appealing. On a Behavioral level, the iPod does everything it says it will and more. It functions exceptionally well, and meets the needs of a handheld music and entertainment device. Lastly, on a Reflective level, there are few products that match the iPod. Few products have had such a cultural impact. It promotes a good self-image and it sends a positive message about the owner. " - Hannah

I took those two posts from Liz and Hannah in order to prove that simplicity and complexity both control the three levels of design. The iPod is the perfect example of the paradox. The design of the iPod is simple which draws in the older crowd. Behaviorally, the iPod has few buttons, but the buttons allow more features on the iPod itself. With the click on the menu button or the button in the middle of wheel, a longer list of options appear on drop-down menus. On a reflective level, the iPod was made out to be the social norm, meaning if you did not have one, you were not as cool as if you did.