Not to be all Marie Kondo about it, but my Mac Studio sparks joy in me every day, and it’s not because it’s the fastest computer I’ve ever owned. It’s also not strictly about the front-facing ports Apple gave it, nor is it the village of ports that live in the back. See, I found this mustache sticker in the back of a drawer in my house. I don’t know where it came from, only that it was there, and the moment I found it, I knew immediately where to put it: smack-dab in the middle of my Mac Studio. I’d been thinking for awhile that the Studio has this goofy face on the front, and slapping a curly ‘stache on it just drove that home. It delights me, and recently, I’ve been thinking about why this goofy twee addition to my computer makes me so happy.
When my partner and I sold our old home to relocate to another state a few years ago, we wanted to sell it as it is. We’d painted it pink, and on the inside, we’d covered some of the walls with murals — a desert scene I’d painted in the dining room and a geometric pattern my partner had painstakingly covered our bedroom wall with, for instance. When one of our realtor’s colleagues did a walkthrough to give us recommendations, he told us we have to paint everything over with something neutral, like gray or white. People want to envision themselves in the space, he said, and they aren’t always imaginative enough to see past an already-colorful wall. They need a blank canvas.
It’s since occurred to me that this same idea is at play, at least for some people (myself included), in Apple’s product design, and by extension, the design of so many other tech products from companies that hit the same notes. So many of Apple’s devices — its laptops, desktops, phones, and so forth — are characterized by these expanses of flat nothingness. Their featureless planes are often only broken when they have to be; by a keyboard or a USB-C port, for example. These days the company no longer even prints “MacBook” under the screen. It’s easy to call that boring, but I disagree.
I’d argue that simplicity gives it far more personality than some of the one-note looks sported by, for instance, basically every gaming router, which often overwhelm you with their thing, whatever it may be. Some people like that sort of thing — and that’s okay! I do too. But as the saying goes, it takes all kinds to make a world, and design, from my lay perspective, isn’t always about what’s there, but sometimes what isn’t. Where one person sees a big, uncreative flat space in the back of a MacBook Air’s display, another person may see a canvas they can fill to truly reflect who they are, using stickers, a Sharpie, or even paint.
Or, you know, a mustache.
In today’s world, where technology is an integral part of our lives, personalization has become increasingly important. People no longer just want functional devices; they want devices that reflect their individuality and personality. Apple understands this desire for personalization and has embraced it in their product design. By creating sleek, minimalist devices with large empty spaces, Apple gives users the freedom to customize and make their devices their own.
When I found the mustache sticker, it was a serendipitous moment. Instantly, I knew it belonged on my Mac Studio. It added a touch of whimsy and personality to an otherwise sleek and minimalistic design. It made me happy every time I looked at it, and it got me thinking about the power of personalization in technology.
In the real estate industry, agents often advise sellers to create a blank canvas for potential buyers. Neutral colors and plain walls allow buyers to envision themselves in the space without any distractions. Similarly, Apple’s design philosophy of creating featureless planes provides users with a blank canvas to express themselves. It allows them to project their identity onto their devices, whether it be through stickers, doodles, or other forms of customization.
Some may argue that Apple’s minimalistic approach is boring or lacks personality. However, I believe that the simplicity and clean lines actually enhance the device’s personality. Instead of being defined by a specific design or branding, Apple devices become a reflection of the user’s personality and style. They become more than just a piece of technology; they become an extension of the user’s identity.
This concept of personalization extends beyond Apple and into the wider tech industry. Many companies are now recognizing the importance of allowing users to customize their devices. From phone cases to laptop skins and even customizable keyboards, the market is filled with opportunities for users to make their devices unique.
Personalization not only adds a personal touch to technology but also fosters a deeper emotional connection between users and their devices. When we have the freedom to express ourselves through our devices, they become more than just tools; they become companions and a reflection of who we are.
In conclusion, personalization is a key factor in the design of modern technology. Apple’s minimalistic approach and empty spaces provide users with the freedom to customize and make their devices their own. By embracing personalization, Apple taps into the emotional connection people have with their devices, turning them into more than just tools. As technology continues to evolve, personalization will only become more prevalent, allowing users to express their individuality in every aspect of their digital lives. So, whether it’s a mustache sticker or a custom-designed laptop skin, personalization brings joy and a sense of ownership to our devices.
