How has the design of technology improved over time?

Technology has become a central part of our lives. For example, it’s estimated that 95% of the UK population will be smartphone users by 2025.

09:44 20 February 2024

Technology has become a central part of our lives. For example, it’s estimated that 95% of the UK population will be smartphone users by 2025.

Many devices have changed the way we do things for the better. This is partly due to them providing more efficient solutions and wireless capabilities, but another reason for their penetration into our daily lives is simply the way they are designed.

Even the most useful technology in the world would struggle to be adopted by the masses if it was too cumbersome to actually benefit from. This is why design is important and continues to improve.

How is our technology designed?

Tech design takes a huge amount of work and thought, with the aim being to make products that are as user-friendly as possible. Without that, they’re unlikely to be successful.

Fortunately, CAD design software has made it easy to create 3D prototypes that can be used to analyse and refine ideas before they enter production. These programs help designers foresee potential issues and iron out any flaws. It also makes it easier to innovate and come up with concepts that could be adopted in the future.

Improved displays

At the turn of the millennium, phones had keypads and small, backlit, monochrome LCDs. CRT televisions were still extremely popular too.

Fast forward to the present day and smartphones have an integrated digital keypad and can display high-definition video along with a host of other incredible features. Flatscreens have taken over the TV market and have ultra-HD displays, sending viewing experiences to another level.

Enhanced UI

User interface (UI) design is about making technology as accessible as possible. For example, you can change the settings on an iPhone to display larger text and icons, use your voice for navigation, and make use of a host of different widgets.

Across the board, UI has leaned towards a minimal approach. The idea is that a cleaner look makes it easier for users to understand how to operate any device. Of course, the vastly superior displays have enabled this to come on in leaps and bounds.

The future of tech design

Taking design out of a single device and bringing it into our everyday lives appears to be the next step, with many companies focusing on virtual reality and augmented reality.

The Apple Vision Pro is the latest release in this space. It allows apps to fill the space around you and you can manipulate them to your preferences i.e. making some larger or fixed to a specific location. The 3D user interface is controlled using your eyes, hands and voice – an approach that is likely to become increasingly prevalent.