Design reflects culture. This can be seen in the early designs of the Walkman. The Japanese value of private space and social correctness determined it's design. Initially perceived as solitary and unsociable, the Walkman was redesigned with a second headset jack and orange button, allowing the experience to be shared with a friend. Not the same way the other portable music alternative did, the boom box. More socially considerate and private. If the listeners wanted, they could also talk to each other through a microphone. The Walkman also expressed the Japanese genius for miniaturization, technology and individual experience. It revolutionized music on the go and paved the way for the iPod.

So what distinctions of American culture can be seen in the initial expressions of the iPod? I would propose youthfulness, fashion and individual expression as a few. The design was and always is beautifully done. I believe in part so that it might become a fashion accessory. Something to be on display not always in a pocket. I'm remembering those early dancing silhouette commercials, the white earbuds and colored models soon to come. Having an iPod made you "look" cool. Accumulation too perhaps. I think American culture says ‘you can have it all'. We love our stuff and when you have more stuff you need more space. The concept of carrying your entire music collection with you was very attractive. Not just one tape or CD but "A 1000 songs in your pocket".

There are a couple aspects of the iPod design that I don't think reflect American preferences. Limits. The iTunes only, rights-protected, restricted-sharing parts of the design. We love our freedom and our private property. I'm amazed we put up with someone telling us what we can and can't do for so long. But it's just so… cool!

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