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How Would You Improve Exterior Design of iPhone?

Alchematron

Alchematron

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jan 22, 2007
1,012
24
Maui Hawaii
How would you improve the exterior design of the iPhone?

Before the iPhone was revealed in January, I was hoping the design would look like the following
http://www.theapplecollection.com/design/macdesign/iPod_Mobile.html

The revealed design came darn close to the above, however being a minimalist freak, I was a bit disappointed with the screen not covering the full surface plus the chrome frame. The ability to access the internet anywhere and watch movies with a hand held device is the reason I chose the iPhone. So here is my wish list for the next design. Steve you listening?

1. Screen to cover full surface like picture above.

2. Slightly larger screen so you do not have to enlarge web pages as much.

3. Lose chrome frame.

4. Lose black bottom on back. Backside to be all brushed metal for uniform look.
 
1. So you want holes in your screen where the speaker, microphone, proximity sensor, physical button, etc are? That seems dumb. Every interface would have to be designed around those, or they'd have to be moved to the edge resulting in far subpar experiences.

2. Any larger for a "standard mobile phone" replacement would be pretty ludicrous... on the other hand, an iPhone Max with like a 5" screen would be pretty sweet. The iTablet we've wanted for years. But that'll be a different product variant.

3. I like the chrome. Gives it character. I do wish that it were more scratch-proof, though.

4. Not going to happen. That's where the antenna coil exists because otherwise there is inferior RF broadcasting. Trust me, US GSM providers need all of the help they can get from manufacturers because the technology has less range compared to other technologies. I also like the two-tone... it breaks up the monotony and gives it a good grip.
 
The Home button should be touch-sensitive. It is odd to be flicking through the rest of interface with the lightest touch, and then have to actually click something.
 
Second-guessing Jon Ives? No thanks

I wouldn't presume to improve on a design that Ives & co spent untold hours perfecting. There are countless technical specs that we'll never know about that needed to be considered. I think it looks gorgeous & wouldn't change anything. Sometimes it's best to yield to the experts.
 
I'd like the plastic ends (ear/home button area) shrunk to have a bit more screen.
 
Alchematron said:
How would you improve the exterior design of the iPhone?

Before the iPhone was revealed in January, I was hoping the design would look like the following
http://www.theapplecollection.com/design/macdesign/iPod_Mobile.html

The revealed design came darn close to the above, however being a minimalist freak, I was a bit disappointed with the screen not covering the full surface plus the chrome frame. The ability to access the internet anywhere and watch movies with a hand held device is the reason I chose the iPhone. So here is my wish list for the next design. Steve you listening?

1. Screen to cover full surface like picture above.

2. Slightly larger screen so you do not have to enlarge web pages as much.

3. Lose chrome frame.

4. Lose black bottom on back. Backside to be all brushed metal for uniform look.
Click to expand...

That design is ugly as heck.
 
I actually think the form factor is perfect. At first I wasn't crazy about the bevel but then I realized a possible reason for it. The bevel gives an illusion that the phone is actually thinner than it is. Also, i think that the tactile feedback on touchscreens like the Immersion technology Nokia plans to use on its upcoming Aeon phone would be annoying. The only way I think it tactile feedback would be interesting is if the screen was somehow malleable and the virtual keys could bulge. Personally though I would rather have a scratch resistant screen than a bulgy one.
 
No chrome frame, black anodized aluminum backing, no plastic visible, just glass and black aluminum. Touch sensitive home button, two speakers instead of one, mic elsewhere. Wider screen (actually 16:9).

That's about it. :)

Oh, and maybe make it so the screen is like ... I don't know, those kind where it just looks like a black surface when it's off and when it's on it just kinda shows up on the surface like magic? Like this Sony player:

sony_walkman_01.jpg


But, obviously, colour. :)

MacsomJRR said:
That design is ugly as heck.
Click to expand...

I agree. And the cartoon on the screen just makes it even less appealing.
 
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