Tales of a Designer

Apple's New Keyboard Design

I am already a huge fan of Apple, not only because their products are so easy to use, but because they are the definition of great design in my my eyes. This week Steve Jobs hosted a little event to announce the new iMacs, and updated software. But what I was the most interested in was the new design of their keyboard.

I think the new design of these keyboards are stunning. Time after time, Apple sets the bar high when coming out with new products, and this is no different. It’s also becoming a lot more apparent that all of their products influence each other as new generations of Macs progress.

Some seem to not like that the wireless keyboard doesn’t have a number pad, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I’m used to being on a laptop anyways, so I’m not used to having a number pad anyways. I can definitely say that I plan on purchasing one of these new keyboards in the near future. It makes me that much more anxious to see the new Leopard that gets releases later this year.

So, to all the designers at Apple…..good job, again!

Brand Loyalty

A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a friend about top brands around the world, and how they carry themselves, whether it be through a commercial, or how their sales people interact with customers in a store. The first brand that came to mind for me was Apple. Though my friend is in a completely different industry, he agreed.

In marketing, brand loyalty consists of a consumer’s commitment to repurchase the brand and can be demonstrated by repeated buying of a product or service or other positive behaviors such as word of mouth advocacy. True brand loyalty implies that the consumer is willing, at least on occasion, to put aside their own desires in the interest of the brand. via

I can’t say that I’ve ever seen more brand loyal people than Apple customers. I am one myself, and in the short year that I’ve been a customer of Apple, I’ve come to realize how strong Apple’s brand is to it’s customers. I can honestly say that I probably won’t consider any other type of brand for a computer for a long time. Not that others are bad, but just because I think Apple is that good.

I try and compare other brands to Apple, and though that might be high hopes, the results are often disappointing. Verizon is an example, who wants to be known as very reliable, however, when I was a customer, I spent too many hours in their stores fixing problems that I’ve had with their service. When I speak with their sales people, I don’t get that “reliable” vibe. I get the “I just want my paycheck” vibe. This is just one example of many that I could give.

Aside from Apple, I’ve tried to think of other brands that have that same type of loyalty, or even close, and only a few come to mind, which are Volkwagen(so I’ve heard), and Nintendo.

I’m curious to know of other big brands that have the kind of following and loyalty similar to Apple. Can you think of any?

Apple is Changing the Game

Well the good news has finally arrived and all of the rumors can finally lay to rest. Apple has finally shown, and told about their new mobile device due to release sometime over the summer. This makes a very bold statement in a number of ways, but the main message that I get from this, is that it’s time for everyone to step it up a notch. Keep reading →

My First Apple Product

I’ve been a PC guy basically all of my life, and have had no major problems using them granted I did the regular maintenance and such to keep it running as good as possible. But within the past year or so, I’ve been opening my eyes up a little bit and paying a bit more attention to Apple products. It’s not that I’ve ever disliked using a Mac, but I just never had one, therefore I didn’t care too much.
Keep reading →