Assignment 0: Bad Design

Apple's Mighty Mouse

Image from: Apple store

Users comments from:
Grey's Blog
Apple reviews

Users reactions:
There seems to be a mixed reaction towards the product. Some found that it is the worst product the Mac ever designed whereas some thought that it is terrific. There are some who experience difficultly when they first started using the mouse but once they have gotten used to it they fell in love with it. However, according to the famous Wall Street journalist, Walter Mossberg, he commented that for once, Microsoft has beaten Apple on hardware design.

Most of the users who dislike the product had problems adjusting to the design of the button placements and the constant breakdown of the scroll button. As mentioned by one of the users, the side button is too hard to activate with one's thumb and 4th finger. A better option will be using the the thumb and middle finger. However, by doing so, it will be impossible to activate the right-click button.

Impression of the brand:
From their reviews it seem that they are very disappointed with Apple's Mighty Mouse. One even called it the "Mighty Mistake". However, such disappointment only shows that Apple has all along shown respect and insights on user experience. As Grey mentioned,"[n]ever has an Apple product shown such disdain for its users" and "[n]ever has an Apple product been based upon such false assumptions." As such, it only shows that Apple has built a strong brand name and reputation on having hardware and software designs that not only take aesthetics of products into consideration, but also the overall user interaction with its products.

Reflection on the product and user reaction:
The product was claimed to be an answer to the call of many Mac users for right click button. As such, Apple came up with this mouse that combine both its famous one click button and the Windows two-click button. It attempts to enhance user experience integrating a top shell that has a scrolling function. However, the constant breakdown of the scrolling button and the hard to squeeze button, has caused users (extreme) frustration.

In product specific terms, due to technological flop and its design failing to take into consideration the way human fingers are structured.

However, in perspective specific terms, I would argue that the overall user experience is still pleasurable. Other than the aforementioned defects, the mouse looks cool (much better than the two-eye black rodent). In addition, as claimed by those who love the mouse, once you get into the habit of using it you will fall in love with it. As such, although certain elements of the product has hindered the user to fully enjoy his/her experience in the first stage of adoption, the hindrance could be overcome and user may eventually still enjoy the experience. This is however, very much subjective. One of the user has commented that the defects are simply just too much for him to bear. As such, I would argue that user experience is something very much subjective. You may enjoy a certain product but others may not. To design a universally welcomed and enjoyed product that gives users excellent pleasure and experience when using it, is an impossible task.