Can a Product Inspire Responsibility? Why Aesthetics Matter

One of the negative traits that came as a result of a somewhat priviledged lifestyle as a youth was that I didn't take care of my things. If I tore up my khakis playing neighborhood football in the back yard, my folks bought me a new pair. My Audi got destroyed bit by bit while going through pledgeship in college. And I have been through more than a couple of PC's. (I'm not proud of these habits) But I noticed something odd about two items when they were sitting next to each other today on my TV stand today. They have been through a lot with me and are still in excellent condition?! People say that Steve Jobs was amazing for creating such innovative products that "just feel good in your hands." They are right, but I would venture to take it a step further. I have had an 80 gig Ipod Classic for over 3 years now and a Macbook Pro for over a year and a half. I have never felt such dedication, loyalty and responsibility for a material item in my life. The feel of something in your hands is important. The way something is displayed across your computer screen is important. Looks are important. I don't think this is superficial to say. Many people don't realize consciously as they surf the web the underlying art involved in technology. If you are a designer of any type of course you pay attention to the subtleties of your work. But genius design appeals to everyone whether they realize WHY or not. It inspires certain emotions subconsciously, it inspires loyalty, and for me it has inspired responsibility. I have taken better care of my MacBook and Ipod Classic than my Audi Convertible or any other thing that I have owned for more than a few months. It's like the newness never wears off. And that says something. I can only hope to create something that has the ability to influence others in such a way at some point in my life. And that's my modest goal for now.